artist Yacoub Fanous painted additional icons on the walls of the church. He adorned the apse with a painting of Jesus Christ Pantocrator and, on the dome that was hitherto adorned with stars on a blue background, he painted the Virgin Mary with outspread arms. Annual celebration Every year on 2 April, the church celebrates the Virgin's apparition in a gathering of thousands of believers who wish to honor her, seeking her blessing and intercession. "Blessed are you, O Mary, the ever-lighted lamp." – St. Cyril of Alexandria "Blessed are you, O Mary, the heaven-bearer of the Divinity." – St. Ephrem the Syrian "Blessed are you, O Mary, who is more honored than the Cherubim and more glorified than the Seraphim." – St. John Chrysostom "Blessed is our land, and blessed is our Holy church, which the Blessed Virgin has chosen from all parts of the world to appear in, in a very special and unprecedented manner." – Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria References External links Coptic Orthodox churches in Cairo Religion articles needing expert attention 20th-century Oriental Orthodox church buildings 20th-century churches in Egypt