Egyptians gather to celebrate Eid al-Adha, Virgin Mary feast

CAIRO, AUG 22 (SEE)- Egyptian Copts celebrated on Wednesday the Feast of the Virgin Mary, which coincides with Eid al-Adha.

The Feast of the Virgin Mary comes after fifteen days of fasting.

The Feast of Mary known as the rise of the immaculate body to heaven is specific to Copts. More than 21 manuscripts, including Coptic, Eight Hebrew, and twelve Greek confirm the significance of this feast.

Manuscripts indicate that St. Thomas, while in India, saw angels carrying Mary to heaven and upon his arrival he knew about her death.

Since that day, Copts fast for fifteen days and celebrate the day of the rise of the Virgin Mary to heaven.