Arab West Report Egyptian press summaries and media research for dialogue

Every year the Coptic Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of Archangel Michael on 12^th of Bā’ūnah [Reviewer: The 10^th month of the Coptic calendar], corresponding with June 19^th. According to some historians, this feast traces back to the days of ancient Egyptians who celebrated a similar feast for Habi, the god of the Nile, on the same day that he yearly blessed the Nile’s water. After embracing Christianity, the Copts replaced this feast with the Christian feast for Archangel Michael because they believe that Michael intercedes on their behalf before God. This feast has certain ceremonies as well as old traditions. Of the most famous historic churches named after Michael in Egypt is the northern church of Archangel Michael in Hadā’iq al-Qubbah and the southern church of Archangel Michael in Old Cairo, which are described in many historical writings. There is also an ancient monastery of Archangel Michael in Ikhmīm, Suhag, in Upper Egypt.