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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
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Interior of the Church of
Abu Serga
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