Siberian thaw
Fold a map of Russia in two and right in the crease you'll find Krasnoyarsk, deep in the heart of Siberia. From Holland, it is as far to the east as Chicago is to the west - six time zones…
The Theban Martyrs
An amazing story about a town in Switzerland has come to my attention relating to Coptic Christianity. Two weeks ago, I wrote about Coptic influence on Europe. I referred to St Maurice as a "messenger to Switzerland where today a…
Weird and wonderful
Last week we described a trip out into Egypt's western desert and discovered oases of spiritual life that inspired many dramatic conversions and transformations. We were left with the question, what was it about fourth century Coptic spirituality that was…
Streams in the desert
The giant pyramids faded away behind us as we headed out into Egypt's western desert. Before us, huge advertising hoardings lined the four-lane highway from Cairo to Alexandria, signs of the all-pervasive globalisation. No signs however prepared us for the…
Heads … or tails?
"Eating soup with a fork is just like kissing," said Corrie ten Boom one day over lunch . Surprised by this spontaneous remark from an old spinster, Romkje looked up from her bowl of soup. She saw the twinkle in…
