The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Mallawi staged yesterday a march to commemorate the Holy Family's trip. It was headed by Mallawi's Bishop Demetrius and Deir Mawwas' Bishop Aghabius, with hundreds of priests and Christian clergymen also joining in. The march took place from the eastern shore of the Nile in the village of Deir Abou Hans to the area of Kom Maria 2 km away. In Kom Maria, a prayer was held attended by hundreds of Christians. A delegation with more than 50 popular and Christian leading figures from Deir Abou Hans is expected to meet with Dr. Ahmed Diyaa Eddin, Governor of Menya, to thank him and give him bouquets of flowers for his efforts to maintain the village name as it is, rather than changing it into Wadi el-Naanae. The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Maghagha has kicked off its preparations for the annual celebration in the village of Deir el-Garnous next August 21 to commemorate the Holy Family's trip to the region. Father Youthab, pastor of Deir Abou Hans Church, said this celebration is held twice a year; the first (exclusively religious) in the month of July and the second (a popular one) at the end of December.
The celebrations resumed after an absence of nearly a year due to the events of Abou Fana Monastery last year.
