Door of Prophecies

The Door of Prophecies or Gate of Prophecies is a large door inside the Syrian Monastery, of Wadi El Natrun (Natron Valley) in Egypt. It dates to the beginning of the tenth century, around 913-914 A.D., according to the Syriac language inscriptions on it. The panels on the large door divide and represent Christian epochs through time, epochs preceding the time of its construction, the tenth century and also prophesizing the following epophs of the following centuries.

The door of prophecies is a screen of a main Sanctuary inside the monastery. The screen of the sanctuary is known as "The Door of Symbols". It consists of six leaves, three forming a valve on each side. Each leaf has seven panels of ebony magnificently inlaid with ivory. From top to bottom they represent seven epochs which are believed to cover the history of Christianity, its past and future. There is an Syriac language inscription on the screen frame which dates it to 913-914 A.D., during the papacy of Pope Gabriel I of Alexandria (910-921).

The seven epochs are:

The first row represent the first epoch of Christianity.

First epoch, represented by the first row.
Icons representing the strong relationship between the Church of Alexandria and the Church of Antioch.

In the centre is an icon of Jesus Christ and the Holy Virgin.

On the left are icons of St. Mark, and Pope Dioscorus, representing the Church of Alexandria.

On the right are icons of St. Ignatius and St. Severus of Antioch, representing the Church of Antioch.

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The second row of the second epoch show identical crosses sorrounded by circles to symbolize the spread of Christianity despite persecution.

Second epoch, represented by the second row.
Rows of identical crosses intertwined surrounded with circle. They represent the first Christian era which is characterized by strong faith, unity of dogma and of the church, and the spread of Christianity despite the challenges of persecution.

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The third row of the third epoch show six larger crosses representing the six major Churches of the world.

Third epoch, represented by the third row.
Larger encircled crosses. These represent the Christian era during Roman rule under the righteous Constantine when large Christian centers appeared around the world. such as in Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem, Rome, Constantinople, and Cartagena.

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The fourth row of the fourth epoch show crosses surrouded with crescents, to represent the spread of Islam in Egypt and around the Middle East.

Fourth epoch, represented by the fourth row.
A cross bordered with adjoining crescents, This represents the appearance of Islam.

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The fifth row of the fifth epoch show swastikas to represent heresies and false doctrines.

Fifth epoch, represented by the fifth row.
The swastika represents the spread of heresies.

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The sixth row of the sixth epoch show small divided crosses representing a multitude of doctrines and beliefs.

Sixth epoch, represented by the sixth row.
Small crosses with different forms represent the multitude of doctrines and beliefs.

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The seventh row of the seventh epoch show one cross with a radiating design and filling the whole panel predicting the unity of the Christian faith and the advent of Christ anticipated by the believers.

Seventh epoch, represented by the seventh row.
Crosses radiating outwards represent the advent of Christ, when the sign of the Song of Man will appear in the Sky.