Kafr Al-Deir, a village located in Minya Al Qamh, Al-Sharqia, has witnessed a Pharaonic phenomenon of the solar alignment over the altar of saint Mar Girgis in Michael Archangel Church. Many officials and a delegations from the Ministry of Antiquities and the Ministry of Scientific Research, along with a delegation from National Research Institute of Astronomy & Geophysics were present to witness such a phenomenon. Although, Deir Al-Malak monastery was built since the 4th century, the phenomenon was discovered last year.
Wisa Hifzy, Michael Archangel Church’s priest, says that the church has witnessed the solar alignment over the altar, during the present of the Ministry of Antiquities’ delegation and a number of Al-Sharqia officials on Monday. The phenomenon occurs with the sun passing 3 times over 3 altars in the monastery.
Hifzy added that the church was built before the 4th century; the proofs of its ancient construction are many, and one of the significant proofs is represented in the discovery of an ancient burial ground of monks. Michael Archangel Church is one of the archaeological churches that grant its visitors a deep sense of spirituality.
