A church was built in the third century under the name of “Bay Isos.” Then one day, when Reverend Thomas was praying in the church, and while he was sanctifying the Eucharist, the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said: “After you approach the Eucharist, collect the holy pots and hide them under the altar because the infidels will attack this place and destroy the church”. So Reverend Thomas did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and fled through the underground crypt that still exists until today.
Persecution took place in the era of Diocletian and the church was demolished and became a high mound of dirt, and it remained in this state until the seventh century AD.
In a vision of Pastor Anthony – who was serving in Aba church in Bahnasa, the Lord God announced to him about the news that this place is inhabited by the angels of the Lord and that there is an ancient church hidden under the hills, and sound of praise is heard in this place.
So Pastor Anthony went to the city of Bahnasa and told the vision to Anba Qaryaqos, Bishop of Bahnasa at that time.
Then the Virgin Mary appeared to Bishop Qaryaqos, wearing a great and shining light that shone more than the light of the sun with her beloved son, Jesus saying: This place has the altar of glory, and it will be eternal.Then mother Mary asked Jesus: How long, my beloved son, will this place remain in ruins? He said: Even if it is ruined, his memory will be immortalized forever and a great group will live in there, and his name will be famous. After Jesus finished his words he and his mother disappeared from sight.
Then that Anba Qaryaqos asked Reverend Anthony and some priests and arches to go to this place and look for the relics, until they found the ark, the holy pots and what was written by Reverend Thomas, the servant of the church.
The church was renovated in the seventh century by His Grace Bishop Qaryaqos, Bishop of Bahnasa, and handed it over to Priest Anthony, who remained in its service with purity.
First church in Deir Al Garnus
