Simon the Tanner: The Man Who Moved a Mountain

Send us Fan Mail Tenth-century Cairo. A shoemaker gouges out his own eye rather than let it wander again — and years later, becomes the answer to an impossible challenge that could get every Christian in Egypt killed. When a Caliph is dared to test his Coptic subjects' faith by making them move a mountain, Pope Abraam has three days to find someone who can actually do it. What he finds is a water carrier so devoted to staying unseen that, even after the mountain rises off the ground in front of ten thousand witnesses, nobody ever learns his face. This episode traces the story of Saint Simon the Tanner — from a moment of private repentance to the miracle that still marks the Coptic calendar every year, nine hundred years later. 🎧 For the best experience, listen with headphones to fully immerse yourself in the music and sound design. 🤝 If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. ☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/Voicesofthesaints This episode draws on the traditional Coptic account of the Mokattam Mountain miracle as preserved by the Coptic Orthodox Church, along with historical records of Pope Abraam's patriarchate and the 1991 archaeological discovery of Saint Simon's remains. While we've done our best to ensure accuracy and reverence, some elements have been adapted or dramatized for narrative and production purposes. Our goal is to honour the spirit and message of the saints while making their stories engaging and accessible to modern listeners. Introduction Music Generated by Renee Annabelle Sieff All credit belongs to Renee Annabelle Sieff for Intro Music Introduction Music Generated by Renee Annabelle Sieff All credit belongs to Renee Annabelle Sieff for Intro Music  This episode is based on accounts from the Coptic Synaxarium, early church tradition, and other historical sources. While we’ve done our best to ensure accuracy and reverence, some elements have been adapted or dramatized for narrative and production purposes. Our goal is to honour the spirit and message of the saints while making their stories engaging and accessible to modern listeners.