In 1942, during World War II, Rommel’s German and Italian forces in Africa were able to advance so far that the danger of reaching the Suez Canal was visible. In the area of El Alamein (Arabic way to say the name of Agios Minas), where the ruins of the church of Agios Minas and perhaps his tomb were located, the opposing forces were preparing for the decisive battle which would decide whether the Allies would be able to remain in Africa. Among the allied troops was a Greek military force, which took part in the battle. One of those nights, many soldiers saw Agios Minas coming out of the ruins of his church leading a caravan of camels, as depicted in one of the old frescoes of his church, and entering the camp of the enemy forces. This appearance terrified the Germans and undermined their morale, which contributed significantly to the victory of the allied forces. In return for this intervention of the Saint, that place was given to the Patriarchate of Alexandria and the church and the monastery of Saint Minas were rebuilt.
From the Synaxarion of Saint Minas
Translated by Dr. Nick Stergiou
The miracle in El Alamein in 1942
