According to tradition, Catherine was born around AD 280 in Alexandria , Egypt . She became a Christian around 295. In her youth, she became both a brilliant scholar and a radiant witness to Jesus. Hundreds of Olympians became Christians in response to her witness. In 305, when her converts included people close to the emperor, himself a devout Olympian, he had them and her murdered. Angels carried her body to Mount Sinai .
Helena, the mother of the emperor Constantine, ordered the construction of a chapel in AD 327 at
According to tradition, monks of that monastery discovered the body of Catherine in 800. Because of the popularity of Catherine as a saint and martyr, news of their discovery spread quickly. Soon pilgrims began arriving and have continued to do so ever since.
The monastery today contains a bush said to be the one seen by Moses, a priceless collection of early Christian manuscripts, and 2,000 icons. The 20 monks who live there care for the hundreds of visitors who arrive by bus each day.
Copyright © 2012 by Steven Farsaci.
All rights reserved. Fair use encouraged.
All rights reserved. Fair use encouraged.