Church of St Sergius & Bacchus

The Abu Sarja Church is the oldest church in Coptic Cairo built in the 11th century using columns from the 4th century This holy place is dedicated to the Roman soldiers Sergius and Bacchus who were martyred in Syria for their Christianity in 296 AD You can visit this church through Spiritual tours The church was built over a cave where Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus are believed to have taken refuge after fleeing to Egypt to escape King Herod of Judea who ordered the massacre of the Firstborn

Architectural Significance

The Church of Abu Serga is a Basilica style church with a nave and two side aisles The nave is defined by 12 columns 11 of which are white marble and one of red granite some of which still bear images of saints You can visit it through Egypt tour packages or if you want to enjoy yourself and with all privacy you can through Egypt private tours The church contains beautiful icons of Christ saints and the Virgin Mary Many churches can be visited such as the Church of Saint Simon the Tanner which is an Egyptian Coptic church carved into the Mokattam Mountain in Cairo and the Hanging Church in the Old Cairo district in the important Coptic Cairo archaeological area it is very close to the Mosque of Amr Ibn al As and the Ben Ezra Synagogue.

The Cave of the Holy Family

One of the most important features of the church is the Cave of the Holy Family which has now been converted into a crypt. You can reach this place by going down the stairs in the church located to the left of the altar usually closed Every year on June 1 a special mass is celebrated here to commemorate the refuge of the Holy Family You can also visit it on Egypt Christmas tours.

Getting There

Abu Serga Church is a must see because it is one of the Things to do in Egypt Walk down the main street (Saint George Alley) turn right at the T and then left as you turn Go down the stairs. Below street level.