The Day the Mountain Moved

7/30/2019 The Day the Mountain Moved

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THE DAYTHE MOUNTAIN

MOVED

RetoldandlllustratedbyMichael Gibraei

PUBLISHEDBY COPTIC ORTHODOX PUBLICATION &TRANSLATION ( C 0 P T )SYDNEY 1993


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One day, long, long time ago, the Patriarch of theCopts was concerned, very concerned.A few minutes earlier, he was summoned by the

Khalif of Egypt. The Khalif challenged him by saying," Dear Patriarch, is it true that your Bible says that ifyou have faith as little as a mustard seed,you will say tothe mountain to move from here to there and it willmove? "The Patriarch,surprised by the khalif's

question, answered," Yes. It is true. "" Then why don't youask your God to move themountain on the outskirtsof our city. After all,youare the Patriarch andsurely you have that littleamount of faith requiredto do so. Or possibly oneof your people has.Remember, only one isrequired."The Patriarch's burden

grew heavy. He pausedfor a few moments, buttheKhalif raised hisvoice and with a seriouslook on his facegrumbled," Listen, if you can'tdo it then your God is notthe true God. And your


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Bible is a false book since it contains false claims.ThereforeI command that the mountain be moved, andif not moved, all the Copts in the land will be put to thesword! "By then the Patriarch was horrified. He felt that heheld the lives of all the Christians of Egypt in his hands.TheKhalif was serious. No pleading. No excuses.Abba Abraarn, the Patriarch, had nothing to say to theKhalif, the threat was real. He only asked for sometime." Three days. Only three days ! " theKhalif sternlyreplied !

The Patriarch left the palace heavy hearted. What couldhe do to move a mountain?" Have I got enough faith to move a mountain?A M 0 U N T A IN ? Does anyone of my peoplepossess such faith? "He felt the answer within him," Yes! there is. But WHO ?? "

Abba Abraam knew that the only thing he could dowas to ask the One who gave the promise, Jesus Himself!So he gathered the bishops, the priests, the monks andthe elders to St. Mary's church, known asA1Moallaka.There he told them his grievous story. Then he said,

" Brethren, we are to fast for three days and nightsand remain in fervent prayer within ouf churches asking- -God to have mercy upon us and to guide us to pass thisdifficult trial. "


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All he Copts fasted and prayed for three days. Theyall felt that God was their only refuge. But no onedespaired, especially the Patriarch. " Remember, it iseither the mountain or the sword! " the words of theKhalif kept ringing in his ears !On the third day, very early in the morning, AbbaAbraam fell asleep in the church. He was very tired.OurLady the Virgin Mary appeared to him in bright

appareland said," Don't be sad, go immediately and open the IronGate and you will see a one-eyedman called Simon.This man will help you."


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The Patriarch woke up inastonishment. He went to theIron Gate and opened it.Outide, while everybodywas still asleep, he indeedsaw a one-eyed manwalking with a big waterskin on his bent back. AbbaAbraam stoppedhim.

" You must be Simon. rtthe Patriarch asked.Simon recognized the fatherPatriarch at once. ThenAbba Abraam said," Come with me to thechurch Simon, I have some-thing to tell you. "

The two of them went into the church and thePatriarch sat him down and said," Simon, you were chosen by God to help save ourpeople. Our Lady appeared in a dream and told me thatyou are the one to help us. Tell me, who are you? whatwere you doing in the streets so early? and why you?You must tell me! "


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Simon, still puzzled by the Patriarch's questions,answered," My life is very simple. I woke up early in themorning to fill my water skin from the well and I go tothe homes of the sick and disabled to fill their jars. ThenI go to work. I work for a tanner outside the city. At theend of each day I go to church to worship God. As youcan see father, my life is simple. I wonder what can I doto help, and in what way? "

The Patriarch told Simon about the church's dilemmaand said," This is God's will that you are the one to help thechurch. "Guided by the Holy Spirit, Simon answered withouthesitation saying," Ask the Khalif to come with his soldiers andadvisors to the foot of the mountain. And ask the clergyand deacons and the elders to come as well with censors,crosses and candles. Let both parties stand opposite each

other. Your Holiness must stand in the center facing themountain and I will stand behind you. When all is silentyou may start the reading of the day's gospel and lead usin pleading saying " Kerialeison " forty one times. At theend of this we shall allbow three times in worship. Thenyou will witness the glory of God! "


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The Patriarch felt relieved.He confidently went to the Khalif and asked him tocome with al l his men the next morning to the foot of themountain.That morning has its piace in history. It is so hard tofind words to describe what had happened. The morningin which the Christians' faith in the word of God was putto the test! vTheKhalif came on his horse with many armedsoldiers. His minister and advisors came also.

Abba Abraam was there with the bishops, priests andthe elders, allcarrying their crosses and candles.The Patriarch led the people in prayer. Simon stoodhumbly behind him. After the reading of the gospel, theCopts chanted in one voice " Kerialeison " forty onetimes, bowing down at the end with one accord.Every time they raised their heads the high mountainmoved upward by the power of God. And everytimethey bowed their heads the mountain came down again !


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Mary appeared to Abba Abraarn.


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FOR COPIES OF THIS BOOK PLEASE WRITE TO USP0 BOX 863BEXELY. NSW 2207


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The Day the Mountain Moved

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