The region of South Sinai and Mount Sinai
This Holy Land where God appeared to Moses, and many
monasteries and churches are spread in it as well as religious
ancient remains.
Number of other sites long held to be holy places connected
with the biblical story of the Exodus, between 1,500 and
1,200 years before the time of Christ, as well as from later
times when biblical figures such as Elijah returned to the
mountain (between 900 and 800 BC).
The traditions are maintained that would define specific
sites as some of the most holy places mentioned in the
Bible.
While the earliest ruins we know of in this region of the
Sinai date to the 4th century, it is not impossible that earlier
religious sites do exist in this rocky, mostly desolate landscape.
Mount Horeb is of special importance by reason of the
“Peak of the Decalogue”. A church consecrated to the
Prophet Elijah was built on this peak during ancient times,
and Ephraim the Deacon in the 4th century records the
existence of twelve chapels on the slopes and summit of
Mount Horeb. There is Elijah’s Basin. Here on a sandy surface,
is an ancient well. There is also the chalky white
Church of Elijah, which is built over a stone beneath which
Elijah is said to been sheltered when he spoke with God (I
Kings 19:1-18).
In the valley of Moses Basin there are remains of ancient
monastery still present for decades and some beautiful
architectural elements and the Byzantine style church still
present. Dr. Grossman worked on it and published his
paper.
Somewhat further away to the northwest of the Monastery
is the famous Wadi Feiran.(Wadi Faran) which is actually
the largest oasis in the Sinai. It once had the privilege of
being the See of the first Bishopric of the Sinai Peninsula.
The latest excavations at Feiran have brought to light the
foundations, the floor and the ruined wall of the ancient
church and annexes. This was the place mentioned in
Genesis 21:21 as the site where Hagar dwelt with her son
after Abraham sent her away. Today, there is a fine and
interesting convent, as well as other sites with historical significance
in the area.
Copyright © 2006 Saint Antony Coptic Orthodox Monastery, California, U.S.A. The above article may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of Saint Antony Coptic Orthodox Monastery, California, U.S.A. |
