History Abu Mena

christ , abbot menas in 6th-century egyptian icon



the modern christian monastery of abu mena, located north of ancient site

menas of alexandria martyred in late 3rd or 4th century (see christianity). various 5th-century , later accounts give differing versions of burial , subsequent founding of church. essential elements body taken alexandria on camel, led desert beyond lake mareotis. @ point, camel refused continue walking, despite efforts goad it. taken sign of divine will, , body s attendants buried on spot.

most versions of story state location of tomb forgotten until miraculous rediscovery local shepherd. ethiopian synaxarium (e.a.w. budge, trans.):

and god wished reveal [place of the] body of saint mînâs. , there in desert shepherd, , 1 day sheep suffering disease of scab went place, , dipped himself in water of little spring near place, , rolled in , healed straightway. , when shepherd saw thing, , understood miracle, marvelled exceedingly , astonished. , afterwards used take of dust shrine, , mix water, , rub on sheep, , if ill scab, straightway healed thereby. , used @ times, , healed sick came him means.

word of shepherd s healing powers spread rapidly. synaxarium describes constantine sending sick daughter shepherd cured, , credits finding menas body, after constantine ordered construction of church @ site. (some versions of story replace constantine late-5th century emperor zeno, archaeologists have dated original foundation late 4th century). late 4th century, significant pilgrimage site christians sought healing , other miracles. menas flasks particular type of small terracotta ampullae sold pilgrims containers holy water or holy oil found around western mediterranean, dating century , half before muslim conquest. cheaply made impressed images of saint of significance in study of iconography; presumed made around city.

during reign of arcadius, local archbishop observed crowds overwhelming small church. wrote eastern emperor, ordered major expansion of facilities, first of 3 major church expansions take place. end of late antique period, abu mena had become leading pilgrimage site in egypt.