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The Monastery of Rabba

To the west of the monastery is a site with a chapel, a house, and a garden, known as Deir Rabba (the Monastery of Rabba).

Rabba has been identified with Geth Rabbi, mentioned by Ammonius in his account of the Forty Martyrs of Sinai and Rhaithou — monks who were killed by Saracens in the late fourth century. There we read, ‘Twelve of the holy men we found in the Geth Rabbi monastery, the rest in various other places.’

The chapel is dedicated to the Twelve Apostles, and each year we celebrate the Divine Liturgy on their feast day, June 30.

The chapel of the Twelve Apostles

The door to the small chapel

The house adjacent to the chapel

The outside stairway to the second storey

The surrounding mountains are visible from the garden

The garden has fruit trees, grape vines, jasmine, roses, geraniums, and rosemary. There is also a thistle growing at the entrance to the garden.

1 comment to The Monastery of Rabba

  • Patricia Knollman

    I am so delighted to find this blog. I met you in Sept, 2010 while on a pilgrimage with St George’s College. We climbed Mt Sinai and had communion on the plateau of rocks prior to the summit at sunrise—a memory I will cherish for a life time. I will present a short talk to a women’s study group on the museum (treasury) and library of St Catherine’s. I am wondering if you have posted or have photos that could be posted of the amazing artifacts we viewed in the treasury–of course, photos were not allowed. I have found one of Mohammed’s treaty but was in awe of the Christ Pantocrater and of Catherine and the historical ones. I would so appreciate any resources you could direct me to. I also hope you are planning another USA trip and lecture as I would do my very best to attend. The work you are doing is a blessing to all cultures. Peace,

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