Isaac of Dafra was an Egyptian Christian martyr born in the village of Dafra, located near modern Tanta. Following a divine instruction from an angel, he traveled to the town of Towa to declare his faith before the local governor. This act of confession led to his arrest and subsequent suffering. Throughout his journey toward execution, he was noted for performing healing miracles, which ultimately influenced those guarding him and the people he encountered.
Martyrdom and miracles
While being escorted to the governor's residence, Isaac healed a blind man, an event that caused his guard to convert to Christianity. After enduring severe torture, he was moved to Oxyrhynchus. During his transport by boat, he performed another miracle by healing a man's sight with water. Because of the many auspicious events surrounding his arrival, the residents of Behnesa requested that his execution be carried out swiftly, and he was subsequently beheaded.
Veneration and memory
Following his death, Christian followers returned his remains to his birthplace of Dafra, where a church was eventually established in his honor. This site became a location for many miracles attributed to his intercession. In the Coptic tradition, his feast day is observed on 6 Pashons, which typically falls during the month of May.