Above: Chapel of The Curch of Abu Serga. Below Left: Steps of the Crypt of the Church of Abu Serga.
The Church of Abu Serga (St. Sergius) is another 4th Century church, dedicated to two early
martyrs and supposedly built on the spot where the Holy Family, Joseph, Mary and the infant
Christ, rested at the end of their journey into Egypt. They may have lived here while Joseph
worked at the fortress. However, the church is dedicated to Sergius and Bacchus, who were
soldier-saints that were martyred during the 4th century in Syria by Maximilan. The original
building was probably done during the 5th century. It was burned during the fire of Fustat
during the reign of Marwan II around 750. It was then restored during the 8th century, and
has been rebuilt and restored constantly since medieval times, however it is still considered to
be a model of the early Coptic churches. Again, the most precious and ancient of the icons are
on the southern wall. A vast central hall is divided into three naves by two rows of pilasters. In
much the same style as the Hanging Church, Abu Serga has 12 unique columns decorated
with paintings of the Apostles. This church resembles religious structures in Constantinople and
Rome. The main attraction, situated directly under the choir, is the crypt. This crypt contains
the remains of the original church where tradition says the Holy Family lived. Originally this
crypt was the sanctuary, but became the crypt after the larger church was built. The crypt is
closed due to flooding by water seeping in. Being tied to the Holy Family, the Church of Abu
Serga continues to be a draw for Christian visitors.
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| The Church of Abu Serga - Old Cairo | Interior of the Church of Abu Serga |
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Design, Layout and Graphic Art by Jimmy Dunn, an InterCity Oz, Inc. Employee
All content, Graphic Art, Design, Layout, and Scripting Code Copyright 1996 by InterCity Oz, Inc.