| Participants in the World Council of Churches (WCC) 6th World Conference on Faith and Order and the Global Ecumenical Theological Institute (GETI) embarked on a moving spiritual immersion on Sunday, 26 October, exploring the living heritage of Coptic monasticism in Wadi El Natrun, Egypt. |
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 | | 26 October 2025, Wadi El Natrun, Egypt: Visit to the Monastery of the Baramos (of the Romans). On Sunday, participants in the WCC Faith and Order Sixth World Conference visit the four surviving monasteries of Wadi Natrun – a 25 km long depression in the desert half-way between Cairo and Alexandria thad through history has been home to more than 50 such Coptic Orthodox monasteries, all key in the early history of Christian desert monasticism. The World Council of Churches Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order takes place 24-28 October 2025 in Wadi El Natrun, Egypt, around the theme “Where now for visible unity?” Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC |
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Situated in a low desert basin 23 meters below sea level, Wadi El Natrun is a distinctive landscape marked by salt-rich lakes, marshes, and natural natron deposits. Known in early Christian literature as Scetis or Skete, it is one of the earliest centers of Christian monastic life. Together with Nitria and Kellia, it helped give rise to the monastic traditions that shaped Christianity around the world. Today, Wadi El Natrun remains the only one of the three historic desert settlements still home to active monastic communities, often described as the spiritual heart of the Coptic Orthodox Church. |
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 | | 26 October 2025, Wadi El Natrun, Egypt: Visit to the Monastery of the Baramos (of the Romans). On Sunday, participants in the WCC Faith and Order Sixth World Conference visit the four surviving monasteries of Wadi Natrun – a 25 km long depression in the desert half-way between Cairo and Alexandria thad through history has been home to more than 50 such Coptic Orthodox monasteries, all key in the early history of Christian desert monasticism. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC |
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Throughout the day, participants visited two of the region’s most historically significant monasteries: the Monastery of St Macarius the Great and the Monastery of Baramos. They also spent time in reflection and fellowship at the Anaphora Retreat Center. |
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 | | 26 October 2025, Wadi El Natrun, Egypt: Fr Macarius guides a visit to the Monastery of the Baramos (of the Romans). On Sunday, participants in the WCC Faith and Order Sixth World Conference visit the four surviving monasteries of Wadi Natrun – a 25 km long depression in the desert half-way between Cairo and Alexandria thad through history has been home to more than 50 such Coptic Orthodox monasteries, all key in the early history of Christian desert monasticism. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC |
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Founded by Saint Macarius himself in the mid-4th century, the Monastery of St Macarius played a key role in forming the structure and spiritual disciplines of monastic life that later spread to other parts of the Christian world. Many Coptic Patriarchs trace their origins to this monastery, reinforcing its enduring importance to the church.
The Monastery of Baramos, established around 335 AD, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and remains the northernmost of Wadi El Natrun’s four surviving monastic communities. Its name, derived from the Greek “Paromeos” meaning “of the Romans,” recalls ancient connections with saints Maximus and Domitius. Its history bears the marks of resilience, from desert raids to reconstructions, and today it continues to nurture communities of prayer, hospitality, and study. Among its saints are Moses the Black, Saint Abba Isidore, and Saint Arsanious, each remembered for lives of deep faith and repentance. |
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 | | 26 October 2025, Wadi El Natrun, Egypt: Visit to the Monastery of Saint Macarius. On Sunday, participants in the WCC Faith and Order Sixth World Conference visit the four surviving monasteries of Wadi Natrun – a 25 km long depression in the desert half-way between Cairo and Alexandria thad through history has been home to more than 50 such Coptic Orthodox monasteries, all key in the early history of Christian desert monasticism. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC |
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As the group experienced these ancient sites firsthand, the blend of history, faith, and culture left a strong impression. “Our culture is so deeply intertwined with ancient spirituality that it naturally overflows wherever we go together,” said Nada Amir of the Coptic Orthodox Church, who helped organize the visit. “Today’s visit beautifully reflected that duality — from the pyramids to the monasteries — blending Egypt’s ancient civilization with the Coptic one.” GETI participant Rev. Geneysa from Indonesia described a feeling of profound connection. “I feel blessed because I can meet and look to all the buildings and feel like I’m connected to God… I’m looking at things I never saw before I came here. I feel blessed.” |
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 | | 26 October 2025, Wadi El Natrun, Egypt: Visit to the Monastery of the Baramos (of the Romans). On Sunday, participants in the WCC Faith and Order Sixth World Conference visit the four surviving monasteries of Wadi Natrun – a 25 km long depression in the desert half-way between Cairo and Alexandria thad through history has been home to more than 50 such Coptic Orthodox monasteries, all key in the early history of Christian desert monasticism. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC |
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