On 8 Abib (Coptic month) – 15 July, St. Bishoy, whose memorial is honorable, the star of the desert, departed. He was born around 320 A.D. in a village called Shansa (Shensha or Shesna), in the province of Menoufeya in Egypt. He had six brothers. His mother saw an angel in a vision saying to her, “The Lord says to you, give Me one of your children to serve Me.” She answered, “Lord, take whoever you want.” The angel took the hand of Anba (Abba) Bishoy, who was thin and his body was frail. His mother told the angel, “My Lord, take one who is strong to serve the Lord.” “This is whom the Lord has chosen,” the Angel replied.