Bringing Supernatural Figures into the Presence in Late Antique Egyptian Hagiography

This study examines a distinct narrative and theological pattern (called 'bringing into the presence ' complex) in late antique Egyptian hagiography, focusing on holy monks who were believed to be able to bring Christ and the saints into the presence. This concept is explored through several hagiographic texts from the period, composed in Greek, Coptic, and Arabic. The primary sources include the lives of four prominent Coptic monks: Bishoi, Paul of Tamma, Shenoute, and Pisentius. Although these texts originated in the seventh century, they underwent substantial rewritings and translations throughout Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages, resulting in multiple versions. Despite their imaginative elements, these accounts reflect a shared belief in the efficacy of monastic asceticism. The bodily practices associated with invoking heavenly figures - ranging from extreme asceticism to the recitation of memorised scripture - were considered essential for summoning the divine presence. The study highlights the importance of these embodied and verbal actions, placing them in the context of non-Christian Egyptian practices.