The Holy Family in Heliopolis

Heliopolis — the City of the Sun — was one of the most important cities in ancient Egypt, home to the great temple of Ra, the sun god. It is now part of northeastern Cairo, near the modern neighborhood of Mataria. According to ancient Coptic tradition, the Holy Family rested here during their journey through Egypt.

At Mataria, tradition tells us that when Mary sat to rest under a sycamore tree and washed the Christ child's clothes in a spring, the ground opened and a well of pure water appeared — which still exists today and is known as the Virgin's Tree or Mary's Tree. It became a famous pilgrimage site for centuries, and even today, a descendant of that ancient sycamore stands in a garden there.

The prophet Isaiah had written centuries before: "In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the heart of Egypt." Many Coptic scholars see this prophecy fulfilled in the arrival of the Holy Family — and later in St. Mark's establishment of the Church of Alexandria. The ancient sun city welcomed the true Light of the World. Egypt had worshipped the sun for thousands of years, but now the One who created the sun had come to rest in her arms.