The large icon collection begins with a few dating to the 5th (possibly) and 6th centuries, which are unique survivals; the monastery having been untouched by Byzantine iconoclasm, and never sacked.
Wamaqarat asidiw ən harat əntanen əs iyad ɣur 5 ( ihomiš) əd wan 6 temede nawatay, aqalnen ayzaɣan intaned ɣas; amišir waratwadas əs i əono əlasmetan ən byzantin əd əskala warešed.