http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2008/900/fr3.htm
5 - 11 June 2008
Issue No. 900
Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875
The watermelon wonder
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The Coptic Orthodox Church celebrated the entry of the Holy Family into Egypt
on 24 Bashans of the Coptic calendar -- which coincided with 1 June.
The above-pictured ancient icon, dating back to the first century AD, was
reproduced from an original icon that was illustrated by Saint Luke, The
Physician. The original icon depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Infant Jesus,
while John the Baptist was kissing Christ's feet, and beside him a lamp, which
is a symbol of Christ himself.
The reproduced icon exists in the Church of the Virgin Mary (known by the name
Al- Ezbaweya ), which is in the neighbourhood of Saint Mark Church in Azbakya
district of Downtown Cairo.
According to tradition, the site where the church today stands, Ezba (or a
farm) was owned by a benevolent man, who was sowing watermelon seeds, and
kindly hosted the Holy Family and afforded them water from a well -- which
still stands in the grounds of the church.
While the family was having a rest in the farm, the Virgin Mary told her host
that the family came to Egypt seeking refuge from King Herod, who wanted to
murder the innocent Infant Jesus.
Her host was touched, especially when the Virgin Mary told him he would witness
a miracle: "the watermelon seeds have been planted today," Virgin Mary said,
"and the harvest would be plentiful." It is well-known that watermelon takes
from three to four months to be harvested.
"Tomorrow morning," the Virgin Mary continued, "you will be asked by a number
of men about us. Tell them the family was here as I was planting the
watermelon."
The Holy Family resumed its flight into Egypt immediately after the incident.
The next day, when the kind man arose, he discovered that the watermelon bore
fruit. While he was thrilled, a number of men who were sent by King Herod
arrived and asked him about the Holy Family. He replied as the Virgin Mary
instructed him. The men were perturbed and thought then that the Family was
there three or four months ago, and promptly returned to their homeland --
Palestine.
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