(10 Mar 1996) Eng/Arabic/Nat
Christianity in Egypt is undergoing a dramatic revolution which could ensure its long term survival in a largely Moslem country.
An increasing number of young men are turning their backs on society and living as monks in religious communities. Many believe the monastic life is the only means they have to reclaim their spiritual roots in a secular world.
APTV has visited one of the world's oldest monasteries - in Egypt - to meet some of the men who've opted for a life of contemplation.
Situated in the middle of a desert in Eastern Egypt is St Antony's monastery - one of the oldest monastic dwellings in the world.
The bell marking the beginning of the day and summoning the faithful to prayer, is one of the few sounds to break the silence of the ghostly landscape.
But it's this atmosphere of unbroken peace which is attracting a growing number of men from all walks of life.
Many new converts are refugees from Egypt's poverty and hardship, who've found the answer to their troubles in a life of contemplation.
Twenty years ago there were only five monks at St Antony's Monastery, but today there are 67.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"It's so beautiful here and so quiet and so remote from the rest of the world. Here you can really feel the presence of God. Here you can really get the chance to go deep into yourself and to find out the great things of God in you and also the weaknesses too."
SUPER CAPTION: Father Selouan El Antony
The monks lead a frugal and self sufficient existence and have little contact with the wider world. Their disciplined lives are governed by the motto of their spiritual order - "Chastity, Obedience and Poverty".
Father Joseph is the monastery's oldest resident who's dedicated twenty seven years of his life to the order. The surging numbers of new devotees hasn't gone by unnoticed.
SOUNDBITE: (Arabic):
Father Joseph: "From the time I came the numbers are increasing."
Question: "How have you noticed this change?
Father Joseph: "From the numbers of the people coming. I felt it from the amount of people coming."
Question: "Why do they come?"
Father Joseph: "In order to get rid of their egos."
SUPER CAPTION: Father Joseph El Antony
Life at St Antony's is highly disciplined and mainly given over to prayer and meditation.
In a world of secular values such austerity might appear extreme, but to these devotees it affords a unique opportunity to reclaim their Christian heritage and spiritual roots.
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