Virgin Mary appears on Coptic church dome in Zeitoun, 1968
On the evening of April 2, 1968, a woman in white appeared on the dome of a Coptic Orthodox church in Zeitoun, Egypt. Bystanders first called out to warn her she might fall, but they soon recognized her as the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. The apparitions continued for nearly three years, drawing immense crowds from all walks of life.
Many witnesses reported seeing the Virgin Mary bow before the cross atop the church and extend her hands in blessing over the multitudes. Countless miraculous healings were documented, including recoveries from blindness, paralysis, cancer, and other serious illnesses. The events recalled the Holy Family's flight into Egypt and their refuge there, occurring at a time when the Egyptian people faced great political and social turmoil.
The Coptic Orthodox Church officially recognized the apparitions, and the site remains a place of pilgrimage.
Key moments
- On April 2, 1968, people saw a woman in white on the church dome and called out to warn her she might fall.
- They recognized her as the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.
- The appearances continued for nearly three years and drew immense crowds from all walks of life.
- Countless miraculous healings were reported, including recoveries from blindness, paralysis, cancer, and other illnesses.
- During the appearances, the Virgin Mary was seen bowing before the cross of her son and blessing the multitudes.
- The apparitions echoed the Holy Family's refuge in Egypt, occurring at a time when her people needed her most.