In the 423rd year of the Flight [Hegira] the Mutawil of Jerusalem, wishing to restore the city walls which had collapsed, began to demolish
its churches, even Holy Sion, that he might use the stones for the rebuilding work. But the great King of Jerusalem, God [Himself], hindered
the demolition through
an astonishing earthquake: no one had previously witnessed such a terrifying earthquake, which occurred in the 425th
year of the Flight, on the first day of the week of Asotus [ ἄσωτος ]. And part of the Dome in Jerusalem fell, and half of the wall of Ramlah [Rhemli],
and a countless multitude died. And the city of Jericho, which had been demolished by its inhabitants, and also Neapolis and the surrounding
country, and Ptolemais, became tombs for many of their inhabitants. The sea withdrew from the same Ptolemais for a period of one hour,
then turned back towards it. This dreadful earthquake lasted for two days. As a result the Agarenes in Jersualem were filled with fear
and stopped demolishing Holy Sion. (Papadopoulos-Kerameus 1898, vol. 3, 19).
