The Caliph Who Defied the Coptic Church (III)

The patriarch found the man with the water jug where Our Lady had indicated. After being told the message, Simon replied: "Forgive me, Father, but I am only a sinful man." Abraam insisted: "It's an order from Our Mother of Light!" Simon then submitted and answered humbly: "If Our Mother of Light charged me with this mission I am entirely at your service." Since the patriarch didn't know anything about Simon, he asked him some questions, especially why he was up so early at the market place when everybody else was still asleep. Saint Simon reluctantly revealed his true life's story, pressing Abraam not to tell anyone until after his death. Then Saint Simon explained how the miracle would take place: "You must go to the top of the mountain in a procession with your clergy, holding Bibles and crosses lifted above your heads, with lit candelabra and censers. Ask the caliph to climb the other side of the mountain with his court. As for myself, I will be hidden amongst the people and you will not recognize me. "You should celebrate the divine mysteries and after the Eucharistic communion you must repeat this invocation: 'Kyrie Eleison' (Lord, have pity on us) with all the people, in a spirit of humility and with a broken heart, one hundred times to the East, one hundred times to the West, one hundred times to the North and one hundred times to the South. "Then, you and the clergy should adore God silently on your knees, with your hands raised to the Most-High. Afterwards, you will rise and trace the sign of the cross over the mountain. Do this three times and you will see the glory of God." The patriarch told the Caliph Al-Muizz that with God's grace he was ready to accomplish his request. The caliph rode to the top of the mountain followed by his court, his high dignitaries and soldiers. The Patriarch Abraam faced him with his clergy and many faithful believers, among whom Simon the Tanner stood. Things happened just as Saint Simon had described and at the first sign of the Cross a great earthquake shook the mountain, which rose and fell. An earthquake accompanied each sign of the Cross. Such is the power of faith, as Saint Paul our master declared: "I can do all things through he who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13). Overcome by fear the caliph and his entourage cried out: "God is great, blessed be his name." The caliph begged Abraam to cease what he was doing for fear that the town might tumble down, and when the commotion ceased he publicly showed Abraam his respect and endowed him with the right to remain in Egypt. The caliph even allowed him to rebuild or renovate a number of churches, among them Saint Markorios Abu Sifein in Old Cairo. Afterwards, the patriarch turned to look for Saint Simon, but the latter had disappeared and no one could find him (a sign of the saint's great humility).