EGYPT: VIRGIN MARY APPARITION

Описание: (8 Sep 2000) Arabic/Eng/Nat
XFA
A town in southern Egypt is flocked by spectators since residents said that they've seen an apparition of the Virgin Mary and a flock of exceptionally large, white pigeons in an inexplicable shining light.

This city has seen thousands of Egyptians and some foreigners in recent weeks.

The first reported apparition happened on August 17.

It is supposed to occur in the bright shining lights in the skies.

Ever since villagers and visitors scan the skies surrounding the dome of Saint Mark's church for a glimpse of Mary.

The city's local Coptic Christian synod released a statement on Sunday stating that civilians had reported seeing «spiritual features» on several occasions and at different times since August 17.

The statement did not say whether religious leaders had confirmed any sightings personally.

Since word of the apparition spread, the synod said thousands of Egyptians and some foreigners have come to
Assiut.

Coptics make up less than 10 percent of the population in Egypt, where Islam is the state religion.

Assiut has a substantial Coptic Christian population, but also has been a hotbed for Islamic fundamentalism and sight of violent attacks targeting Christians and tourists.

SOUNDBITE (English)
"This is light is different from any other light. If you ask for the source you can't find it. It comes from heaven."
SUPER CAPTION: Zaka Labib, priest

SOUNDBITE (Arabic)
"I saw the Virgin Mary with lights on it and I saw it again in the door of church. It is a blessing for the people of Assiut and blessing for the Muslims and Christians in town."
SUPER CAPTION: Banub Thabep

SOUNDBITE (Arabic)
"I saw the lights that you are seeing now twice or three times and a vision without wings. I didn't see Mary herself."
SUPER CAPTION: Magdy Sahim Abdelmalak

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