An Importunate Woman | Memories
by Elouise
St. Mark’s Coptic Cathedral, Alexandria, Egypt
In January 2010, D and I visited St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Alexandria, Egypt. The poem below is about an unexpected event while we were there.
That evening, 25 to 35 visitors were in the sanctuary. A tourist group was listening to a guide. A few visitors were praying. A crew was setting up the platform for a wedding the next day.
~~~St. Mark’s Cathedral, Alexandria, Egypt
St. Mark’s in Alexandria is the historic seat of the Pope of Alexandria, head of the Coptic Church. It’s said to be built on the site of the first Coptic church, founded by St. Mark the Evangelist, one of Jesus’ followers. The same Mark wrote the Gospel according to Mark. St. Mark’s bones are also said to be buried on this site.
Here’s a plaque that records all the Patriarchs of the Coptic Church lying beneath the Cathedral, beginning with St. Mark. Can you see the multiple languages for each entry? (Click to enlarge.)
Patriarchs of Alexandria from St. Mark; multiple languages
Finally, here’s a close-up of the platform, the scene of the action described in the poem. Notice the heavy curtain at the top of the steps.
~~~Heavy Curtain Conceals Holy Space
D and I sit in a pew not far from the front, reading material about the Cathedral. Without warning, a woman’s voice breaks the relative quiet of the sanctuary.
On the topmost stair
a shrouded woman kneels
Praying into holy space
reserved at all times
For Male Clergy Only
Directing her prayer to God
She sees through and beyond
the heavy curtain-veil
Separating holy space
From common space
Her clothing is simple
The soles of her shoes as worn
as her soul weeping and crying out
in her mother-tongue
She speaks directly to God
A woman approaches
beseeching her to stop
Oblivious to onlookers
the importunate woman raises her voice
ignoring everyone but God
She drapes the hem of the
heavy curtain as a shroud
covering her hair and shoulders
Her eyes, voice and hands breach holy space
Her cries become wails
Security guards approach
Take matters into their own hands
Escort her up the aisle too late.
God has seen, heard and welcomed
this importunate Daughter of faith.
*
“Who touched the hem of my garment?”
“It was I, Lord; I want to be healed.”
“Daughter, your faith has made you well.
Go in peace and be healed of your trouble.”
Mark 5:24-34
* * *
© Elouise Renich Fraser, 25 April 2015
Photo credit: http://www.wickipedia.com (exterior view),
http://www.schickscorner.blogspot.com (interior view),
http://www.en.wataninet.com (Patriarchs),
http://www.africaimagelibrary.com (platform)
Telling the Truth 
I have often been amazed, growing up in the Anglican Church, how often the people of the Roman, Orthodox and Coptic churches often have a far clearer, and focused vision of the Word.
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John, Thanks for this observation. It rings true, at least for most Protestant churches I’ve known. I’m always moved by the ritual and artistic representations in churches and cathedrals like St. Mark’s. Some of the sculpture and wall hangings were worn down by the constant flow of fingers touching them. It’s easy to miss seeing our daily connections with the so-called ‘unseen’ world.
Elouise
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