Stopping Off Place For Baby Jesus

Abu Serge (St. Sergius) - The Church

Standing in front of a pyramid in awe of the age and the construction. The simplicity simply takes ones breath away. The many pyramids, temples and sights in Egypt are spectacular and once viewed will resonat forever.

The days leading to the passover, the dying of Christ on the Cross and the Resurrection brings to mind a sight lingering still.

The most uplifting part of seeing this church was the fact that it was nestled among inhabitants of the old part of Cairo and basically rather nondescript from the initial view. Villages mingled on the streets and vendors offered their wares. Children darted in and out without much care.

The Church of Abu Serga (St. Sergius) is a 4th Century Church, dedicated to two early martyrs and supposedly built on the spot where the Holy Family, Joseph, Mary and the infant Jesus 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,

The Church was burned during the fire of Fustat during the reign of Marwan II around 750. It was later restored during the 8th century and has been rebuilt and restored constantly since medieval times. It is said to be a model of the early Coptic churches.

The Church - An enormous hall is divided into three naves by two rows of pilasters. Abu Serga has 12 unique columns decorated with paintings of the apostles. The church itself resembles other structures found in Constantinople and in Rome. The main attraction is said to be the crypt which is located directly under the choir. The crypt contains the remains of the original church were tradition was built. The crypt is closed due to flooding by water seeping in.

Since this church is tied to the Holy Family it is a great draw for the Christian visitors to the middle east area and was an event we were grateful to have given the time to experience.

Fourteen days touring Cairo and the many sights outside of the city was inspiring. There is nothing finer than to sit quietly with that wonderful tool, your memory, and wander through the many temples and view the awesome artworks of a civilization that can only be read about. There is life out there, beyond us and before us. We have only to open our minds and experience these many wonders.