"Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith." - Hebrews 13:7
The Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of God (Theotokos), is the most exalted saint in our church.
The Virgin Mary holds a special place in the hearts of all Christians, especially in the Coptic Orthodox tradition. She is venerated as the Theotokos, the Mother of God, and is a model of purity, humility, and obedience to God's will.
Her unwavering faith and acceptance of God's plan, expressed in her words "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38), serves as an inspiration to all believers.
The Virgin Mary's intercessions are sought by the faithful, and her life is celebrated through various feasts throughout the liturgical year.
Saint Demiana is a beloved martyr of the Coptic Orthodox Church, known for her steadfast faith and leadership.
Saint Demiana was born in the late 3rd century to a wealthy Christian family in Egypt. Her father, Mark, was the governor of the Egyptian provinces of Burullus, Zaafaran, and Wadi Al-Saysaban.
When Demiana was young, she asked her father to build her a palace away from the city where she could devote her life to Christ. Her father fulfilled her wish, and she lived there with forty other virgins in constant worship and prayer.
During the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian, Demiana's father was pressured to worship idols. When Demiana learned that her father had succumbed to this pressure, she left her palace to confront him. Through her strong faith and persuasion, she convinced him to return to Christianity, for which he was later martyred.
Diocletian then sent his commander to Demiana, offering her wealth and status if she would worship idols. She refused, declaring her unwavering faith in Christ. After enduring severe torture, Saint Demiana and her forty virgin companions were martyred for their faith.
The Monastery of Saint Demiana is located in the Nile Delta region of Egypt, in the area known as Barari Belqas. It is a significant pilgrimage site for Coptic Christians, especially during the feast days of Saint Demiana.
"Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Saint Mary, O Lord, grant us the forgiveness of our sins."
"Through the prayers of the pure martyr Saint Demiana and her forty virgins, O Christ our God, have mercy upon us and save us. Amen."
We ask for the prayers and intercessions of our patron saints, the Virgin Mary and Saint Demiana, as we strive to follow their examples of faith, purity, and devotion to Christ.