Arab West Report Egyptian press summaries and media research for dialogue

In this article the author reports on her experiences visiting St. Barsūm Monastery in Ma‘sarah, Helwan. The nunnery traces back to the 4^th or 5^th century AD and was renewed during the 10^th century, where it was dedicated to monks only. After the death of St. Barsūm the Naked, as he covered his waist with simple clothing, the monastery was named after him in 1317. In the current church, there are few devoted women [sisters] who worship and serve the visitors of the monastery. The author details her visit to the monastery and how the sisters welcomed her. She mentions that although she is a veiled, Muslim woman, everyone she met in the monastery dealt with her normally. During her visit, she met with Bishop Basantī of Helwan, who cared for the monastery since his tenure in 1988. The bishop gives a detailed account of the activities inside the monastery, and the life of the sisters who supervise the activities.