Abu Serga Church
Published At
25 February 2023
Updated At
27 July 2023
Author
safaga team
Topic Summary
Abu Serga Church, also known as the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, is one of the oldest churches in Cairo, Egypt. The church is located in the Coptic Quarter of the city, in the neighborhood of Old Cairo, and is considered one of the most important historical and religious sites in the area.
Article Details
Abu Serga church, also known as Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church, is one of the oldest Churches in Coptic Cairo and a great tourist attraction. Abu Serga is said to have been constructed over a cave where the Holy Family rested for 3 years. It has gone through many restorations over history and the place now is indeed full of symbolism and aesthetic art. The place is a charming masterpiece that you can tour for free and explore its interesting history.
In this article, let’s together find out about:
- Where is Abu Serga Church located?
- History of the Abu Serga Church?
- Why is the Abu Serga Church of considerable historical importance?
- Abu Serga Church Architecture
- When was Abu Serga Church built?
- The opening hours of the Abu Serga Church
Where is Abu Serga Church Located?
Abu Serga Church is located on Mari Gerges street, Kom Ghorab, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate. According to tradition, the church was built on the spot where the Holy Family (Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus) took refuge during their flight to Egypt. The church was originally built in the 4th century and has undergone several renovations and restorations over the centuries.
History of the Abu Serga Church
Once upon a time, a child with his mother came to Egypt seeking sanctuary, with open arms and kind hearts Egypt provided safety and protection to help them. The Child, Jesus Christ –peace be upon him- with his mother the Virgin Mary, lived in Egypt for nearly 3 years and wherever he stepped or stayed, a church was constructed as his holy steps blessed the land forever.
Abu Serga church is said to have been constructed over the Cave where the Holy Family stayed at the end of the journey after escaping from King Herod to Egypt in the center of the Roman fortress of Babylon. The church is dedicated to the saints Sergius and Bacchus who were martyred by Maximian, the Roman Emperor, in Syria during the 4th century.
The church was burned during the reign of Marwan ll around 750AD in the fire of Fustat, it was restored again in the 8th century and since then, the church regularly underwent many restorations.
Why is the Abu Serga Church Is Considerable Historical Importance?
Other than being a spot where the Holy Family stayed, the Church has great importance as it was where many patriarchs of the Coptic Church were elected, the first was Patriarch Isaac and it also has the episcopal see of Old Cairo.
Abu Serga Church Architecture
The church is considered a model of the early Coptic churches and the most remarkable feature there is its Crypt where the Holy Family is said to have rested. Because the crypt is 10 meters deep, it is frequently flooded when the Nile levels are high. The church is designed in a basilica style with a narthex, a nave, and two aisles with 12 Corinthian capitals columns, and 10 marble and rosette granite stones separating them.
It also contains 3 sanctuaries with altars and dooms holding religious scenes of Jesus, four evangelists, and angels. The Church’s pulpit is the most iconic as it is made of dazzling marble and studded with fascinating ivory and ebony panels. The walls' while plaster was carefully removed, revealing the church’s medieval majesty.
When Was Abu Serga Church built?
The exact date of the building is unknown, also some historians argued that the church was originally built in the 4th century AD during the Roman period, although it has undergone several renovations and restorations over the centuries.
The Opening Hours of the Abu Serga Church
The opening hours of the Abu Serga Church may vary depending on the day of the week and the season. However, in general, the church is usually open 24 hours every day and the best time to avoid crowds is 9 am and 4 pm.
It's recommended to check the official opening hours of the church before visiting to ensure that it is open and to plan your visit accordingly. Additionally, note that the church may be closed for religious services or other events, so it's always best to confirm the hours in advance.
Visitors should also dress appropriately when visiting the church, as it is a place of worship. Modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is recommended, and shoes must be removed before entering.
Conclusion
The Abu Serga Church commemorates the arrival of the Holy Family on the 1st of June every year as prayers are held in the Crypt where the Holy Family rested. The place is such an interesting experience that you should definitely try it. If you're looking for a cultural and historical experience during your visit to Egypt from Safaga port, Safaga Shore Excursions is a great option. We can offer a tour to Abu Serga Church & other majestic attractions in Cairo from Safaga port where you will give you the opportunity to explore one of the oldest and most significant churches in Egypt, plus you will learn about the rich history and culture of Cairo, and to see some of its most iconic landmarks and attractions.
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