(CE:1255a-1255b)
HOR OF ABRAHAT, SAINT, fifth-sixth-century monk (feast day: 2 Kiyahk). Information on this monk is supplied by some Coptic fragments (Evelyn-White, 1926, pp. 168-70); the SYNAXARION in the two recensions of Upper and Lower Egypt; and the Life of Anba HARMINA (Muyser, 1943, pp. 159ff.).
Hor was a native of Preht (in Arabic, Abrahat or Qasr Abrahat), a military post situated near al-Shaykh ‘Abadah. Muhammad Ramzi (1953-1954, Vol. 1, pt. 2) identifies it with DAYR AL-BARSHAH. The majority of the manuscripts of the Synaxarion of the Copts from Lower Egypt wrongly name it "Atrib in Upper Egypt" in place of Abrahat.
Hor became a monk and retired into the desert. In order to tempt him, a demon suggested that he should go to ALEXANDRIA, which he did. He gave drink to the prisoners and by the simple sign of the cross restored to life a child who had been killed by the horse of a rider passing through the town. Later he retired into a monastery to escape those who wished to honor him. He seems to have gathered disciples. He became the friend and biographer of Anba Harmina, and traveled with him to visit the Christian sanctuaries of Egypt. He seems to have resided at Psoun (Absunah, on the west bank of Akhmim), and no doubt lived under the emperor Anastasius (491-518).
RENÉ-GEORGES COQUIN
