St. Barsoum the Naked: The Cave, the Serpent, and the Saint

Welcome to the St. Shenouda Podcast! In this episode, we uncover the inspiring life of St. Barsoum El-Erian, a remarkable Coptic saint of the 13th century, renowned for his profound faith, courage, and asceticism. Born in Cairo in 1257 A.D. to devout parents, his father, El-Wageeh Moufdel, served as the faithful scribe and secret counsellor to Queen Shagaret El-dor. Despite inheriting great wealth, Barsoum's maternal uncle squandered it, yet Barsoum, remembering King Solomon's words, "Vanity of vanities! All is vanity," refused to quarrel, choosing instead a life devoted to God.His spiritual journey led him to live as a hermit in a cave near the Church of St. Mercurius in Old Cairo. This cave was famously home to a "large and foreboding snake". With unwavering faith, St. Barsoum prayed, declaring, "You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra" (Psalms 91:13), and through the power of God, he changed the serpent's nature, making it tame. He lived with this serpent for twenty years. Following this, he spent fifteen years enduring the harsh elements on the roof of a church.His simple covering, a goatskin worn around his waist, earned him the name "El-Erian," meaning "the naked or disrobed" in Arabic.St. Barsoum lived during a period of severe persecution against Christians in Egypt. Churches were shut, and Christians were compelled to wear blue turbans; St. Barsoum notably refused to replace his white turban. When he was imprisoned and tortured alongside other Christians, his fervent prayers led to their swift release.After his release, he moved to the Shahran Monastery, where he continued his austere life, even dwelling on the church roof there. God granted St. Barsoum the gift of performing numerous signs and miracles. Hear how he miraculously multiplied a small amount of soup to feed a multitude at the monastery, echoing the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Discover how his powerful intercession led to the rescue of a man by St. George and even healed a prominent Muslim judge, Sheik Zein, who had been bed-ridden for nine months.St. Barsoum El-Erian departed to the Lord on September 10, 1317 A.D., at the age of sixty, and was buried in the Shahran Monastery. Miracles continue to occur through his powerful intercession to this day. Join us as we reflect on the enduring legacy of this humble, pious, and courageous saint.