Church of St Sergius Bacchus: A Magical Landmark

The Church of St Sergius Bacchus is one of the oldest and most ancient churches in Egypt also known as the ancient Church of Saint Abu Serga. It has great significance for Copts especially because of its long history since its construction until today.

It is also an ideal destination for tourists and visitors from all over the world to learn about ancient Coptic history and see the unique architectural style of that time, which is unlike any other architectural style.

It is also of great historical and religious importance. Let us take you with us on a historical journey full of fun and knowledge at the same time.

History of the Church’s Construction

The Church of St Sergius and Bacchus was built in the Byzantine era and is considered an unprecedented model of early Coptic architecture. It includes a structure with three aisles, marble columns and ancient icons.

The Church of St Sergius and Bacchus is located in the Old Cairo area of ​​Cairo. The church was built in the place where the Holy Family stayed during their journey to Egypt.

The church is located inside the Babylon Fortress specifically inside the religious complex near the Bene Ezra Jewish Temple and the Church of Saint Barbara.

It is worth noting that Saints Sergius and Bacchus are two soldiers in the Roman army, and the church was named after them. The church was built in the fourth century AD and was completed in the fifth century AD.

It is of great historical and religious importance. The Holy Family is referred to in these stories as the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ peace be upon him, who sought refuge in Egypt in search of safety and escape from the brutality of King Herod.

The Religious Complex

It is the largest and oldest religious complex in Egypt and includes the Church of St Sergius and Bacchus. It was named so because it includes Islamic mosques Christian churches, and ancient historical Jewish temples. The religious complex is located in the Old Cairo area and entry is free. It is located near Mar Girgis Station.

It was named the Religious Complex because it combines the three heavenly religions in its ancient historical monuments. It includes Islamic monuments such as the Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-Aas, Christian monuments such as the Church of St Sergius and Bacchus the Church of St. George the Church of St. Tadros El-Shatby the Church of the Archangel Michael the famous Hanging Church which dates back 500 years, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue which represents Jewish monuments.

It is considered one of the landmarks of religious values ​​in Egypt and a very unique place for different cultures in different eras.It also has many bazaars and shops.

The complex is frequented by many tourists and visitors. The Religious Complex opens its doors to visitors from ten in the morning for those who intend to see the Church of St Sergius and Bacchus, and the rest of the complex which also contains many ancient Christian monuments.

There are also small libraries lined with various historical brochures that tell that ancient history.

Architectural style of the church

The Church of St Sergius and Bacchus was built in the Byzantine era. Technically the church was built in the basilica style in a rectangular shape. The height of the church is about 15 meters. It contains the most valuable and oldest icons in the southern part.

It has a large central hall divided into three parts of columns.

During the Fustat fire the church was exposed to fire and then restored and rebuilt again during the eighth century AD. It was renovated and restored several times during the Islamic eras, especially the Fatimid and Mamluk eras.

The date of construction of the church is in doubt, as some scholars believe that it dates back to the late fourth and early fifth centuries AD while others believe that it dates back to the seventeenth century AD.

Abu Serga Church

The Abu Serga Church was built on the ruins of an ancient Roman castle. The name “Abu Serga” goes back to a change in the pronunciation of the original name of Saint Sergius in Arab culture.

The saint was originally known as “Sergius”, and when this name was transferred to the Arab environment its pronunciation gradually changed until it became “Serga”.

According to the common custom and veneration in the Coptic heritage the adjective “Abi” was added to him to indicate respect and love, so he was referred to as “Abu Serga”. This change in language and custom is what established the popular name of the church among members of the Coptic community.

Church landmarks

The Abu Serga Church is considered one of the oldest churches in the world. The archaeological importance of the Church of St Sergius and Bacchus is due to the presence of the cave in which the Holy Family settled for three months, and the Holy Church was built over it in the Apostolic era according to what was narrated by ancient Coptic accounts.

Visitors descend to see this cave through a stone staircase designated for it, and it is in the form of a room interspersed with medium-thick columns with beautiful decorations engraved at the top of the column.

The cave has an ancient architectural style, and its walls are covered with colorful paintings and other paintings engraved with this ancient history, and there is a painting hung on its wall from the inside engraved with (the cave where the Holy Family stayed for three months and became a church in the Apostolic era).

In the cave there is a designated place where Jesus Christ our Lord Jesus peace be upon him slept when he was a child according to Coptic narratives.

Paintings and pictures were hung on the walls of the cave in addition to the presence of some ancient relics that have been preserved throughout history, and at the top of the cave there is an ancient well from which it is believed that the Holy Family drank.

The Church of St Sergius and Bacchus is a stage in the Holy Family’s passage at one time, as the Holy Family passed through many monasteries in Egypt on their holy journey such as Matariya and Assiut as well.

Egypt’s role in preserving the church

• Including it among the historical monuments, and classifying it as an important historical site.
• Renovations and restorations during different eras Especially the Islamic era.
• Supervised by the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities and the Ministry of Culture with support provided to preserve the site spiritually and architecturally.
• Religious interest as the church enjoys great respect in Christian circles, and is a place of worship and visitation for many Copts.

Given the historical and religious importance of the church it has local and international appreciation, which contributes to attracting technical and financial support from international and local heritage institutions which had an impact on the Church of Abu Serga remaining a witness to Christian history in Egypt, and preserved its artistic archaeological and architectural features that reflect a civilization spanning centuries.

FAQs

What are the archaeological features of the Church of St Sergius and Bacchus?

The Holy Cave in which the Holy Family resided the Blessed Well.

Why was the Church of St Sergius Bacchus named this name?

In reference to the name of two soldiers in the ancient Roman army

And here our talk is about to end, and we flew in the sky of the ancient Cairo of Al-Muizz, and that was nothing but a talk that tells about the magnificence of the great history and all that remains is for us to visit that place, and let our hands touch those beautiful doors walls, and holy places and how those who did it preserved them until this day for hundreds of years and you will see it with your own eyes soon, God willing.