Location: 

The monastery is located in Nagaa Sous, north of Qmula village about 7 km south of Naqada, and 5 km from Archangel Michael monastery.  In his book about churches and monasteries in 1209, Abu al-Makarim made mention of this monastery when he wrote about Qmula.  In the past, the monastery was surrounded by more than ten acres of vacant land which was used later to build houses. 

St. Philopateer Mercurius (Abu Sefein) church: 

The monastery includes St. Philopateer Mercurius (Abu Sefein) church which is an old church with Coptic architecture and a basilica design. The design of the facade together with the two pillars of the main front door of the church dates back to the Fatimid era. 

The church has three sanctuaries and three altars: 

The middle altar is in the name of St. Philopateer Mercurius (Abu Sefein). 

The southern altar is in the name of St. Mary. 

The northern altar is in the name of Archangel Michael. 

The church underwent several renovations by the Thrice-Blessed H.G. Bishop Makarios I, bishop of Naqada (1771-1810), and the Thrice-Blessed H.G. Bishop Agapios, bishop of Qena, Qus and Naqada (1874 – 1902).  The icon-holder of the middle sanctuary was made in 1737 and is considered the oldest icon holder in Upper Egypt. 

H.G. Bishop Biemen, Bishop of Naqada and Qus, conducted minor restorations and regained back some of the monastery’s property.  He also brought part of the relics of St. Philopateer Mercurius (Abu Sefein) whose date of martyrdom is celebrated annually on December 3rd (25th of Hator) for seven days drawing huge crowds seeking blessings.