Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church

-Who are Sergius and Bacchus?
Sergius and Bacchus were Christian soldiers from Syria in the fourth century. They are highly respected as martyrs and military saints by the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox Churches. The day dedicated to their memory is celebrated on 7 October.

Sergius and Bacchus were soldiers in the army of Roman Emperor Galerius. They enjoyed a good reputation until it was discovered that they were secretly Christians. As a result, they faced humiliation and punishment. They were made to wear clothes that were associated with women and common people. Bacchus died during the torture inflicted on his feet, while Sergius was eventually beheaded. Sergius and Bacchus were very popular throughout Late Antiquity for their fraternal and pious relationship, and churches in their honor were built in several cities.

Detail of a 7th-century icon of Saints Sergius and Bacchus.

Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church also known as Abu Serga, in Coptic Cairo is one of the oldest Coptic Christian churches in Egypt. Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church (The Church of Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus in The Cave) also known as Abu Serga, in Coptic Cairo is one of the oldest Coptic Christian churches in Egypt, dating back to the 4th century. 

Abu Serga Church was built in the place where the Holy Family took shelter during their flight in Egypt. The current location of Abu Serga Church is what is known as the Religious Complex in Old Cairo. The Church of Abu Serga in ancient Egypt is known as the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus. They were two saints who were killed in the Rusafa neighborhood in Iraq because of their conversion to Christianity during the reign of the Roman Emperor Maximian. There are different opinions about the date of construction of the Abu Serga Church in ancient Egypt, as some believe that it dates back to the period of the late fourth and early fifth centuries AD.

The church is based on a basilica structure with a nave and two side aisles. The nave is defined by 12 columns, 11 in white marble and one in red granite, with some showing traces of images of saints. The church houses some great icons representing the life of Christ, various saints and the Virgin Mary.

-The Cave :
The cave located beneath the site of Abu Serga Church has been the focus of attention of many visitors since the church was established, as it is the place where the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ resided. Because of the importance of this cave, some called the church the "Church of the Cave" You will also find there the ancient water well from which Jesus Christ drank and which still springs water to this day.

In the cave here is the place where Jesus Christ slept as a child.

The ancient water well from which The Holy Family drank and which still sources water to this day.

This lovely little church in Coptic Cairo is beautifully decorated and is believed to be built in the cave where the Holy Family stayed on their journey through Egypt. Down a flight of stairs there is the cave where the family stayed. You can easily see it. Visiting this church is a very interesting experience, highly recommended.

Now You Can Book A Trip With Us To Visit The Places Where The Holy Family Crossed In Egypt.