Be Thou There

The world long awaited the arrival of the Messiah, and the prophet Isaiah intimated that He would appear in Egypt. But how long would He stay? Where would He go? This remarkable book retraces the footsteps of the Holy Family in Egypt as they fled Herod's murderous decree. Since the Gospels give scant information on the Family's time in Egypt the experts assembled here have had to resort to a little derective work examining the Coptic sources and the rich culture of the Copts; combing through ancient references and testimonials in libraries around the world; and walking Egypt from end to end, collecting local traditions and sharing in pilgrimage festivals throughout Egypt. More than 100 full-color photographs vividly demonstrate that the spirit of the Holy Family remains alive in the land where Jesus took his first earthly steps - in solitary groves, desert recreats, and urban sites where churches now attest to their sacred character, injewelencrusted icons that candidly reveal the mercy of Jesus, and in the worshipful regard of celebrants, congregants, monks, and pilgrims. Here, at last, scholars, general readers, and tourists alike will find a comprehensive guide to the traditions associated with the Holy Family in Egypt.