From top: a tablet engraved at the entrance of the ancient church saying "this church of Virgin Mary was establishd by Empress Saint Helena, mother of King Constantine the Great at Gabal Al-Teir in 328AD, year 44 of Martyrs. It was renovated under the auspices of Bishop Sawiris of Minya and Ashmonein in 1938, year 1654 of Martyrs"; steps leading to the Monastery of Gabal Al-Teir; inside the ancient church photos: Ayman Ibrahim