Abu Serga church is considered one of the oldest Coptic Orthodox churches in Egypt. It dates back to the 4th century and its importance is seen in its impressive history. The location of the church is believed to be the spot where the Holy Family “Joseph, Mary and the infant Jesus Christ” rested at the end of their journey into Egypt during their escape from King Herod. It is also the location where many patriarchs of the Coptic Church were elected and the first among them was Patriarch Isaac. Here everything to know about Abu Serga church:
Abu Serga Church
The History of Abu Serga Church
Abu Serga church was dedicated to Saints Sergius and Bacchus, who were great soldiers martyred during the 4th century in Syria by the Roman Emperor Maximian. Saint Sergius died during the intense Christian persecution with his father & his sister and Christians celebrate his memory every year on February 7th. The construction of the church started in the 4th century and ended in the 5th century. During the fire of Fustat, the church was burned and was restored in the eighth century. The southern wall of the church depicts the most important Coptic icons. Inside Abu Serga church, there is a central hall, which is divided into three naves by two rows of pilasters. The seat of the Pope of Alexandria was moved from Alexandria to Cairo in the 11th century after the Arab invasion of Egypt and the Hanging Church started to be the main Coptic Orthodox seat of Pope Christodolos in 1047.
Why Is It Called Abu Serga Church?
Abu Serga church is the Arabic translation of Saints Sergius & Bacchus church, which was built over the site of the cave where the Holy family sheltered during their sojourn in the area.
The Construction of Abu Serga Church
The type of Abu Serga church is of the basilican one, which is supported by two lines of colonnades. Each one of the 12 columns contrasts the other with its red color, which represents Judas Iscariot. There are also traces of mural paintings on these columns. The central sanctuary’s screen dates back to the 13th century. After descending some steps, you’ll find yourself inside the crypt, where the Holy family sheltered before. While ascending from the other side of the crypt, you’ll behold the well blessed by the Christ Child.
What you Can Inside Abu Serga Church
Inside Abu Serga church, you’ll find three sanctuaries on each side. Each Sanctuary contains an altar, with a wooden dome with religious images of the Christ, Angels, and the 4 evangelists supported by 4 marble columns. On the northeast side of the nave, there is a pulpit, which is used once a year in the prayer of Great Friday. The icons of the church are terrific and most of them date back to the 15th and 16th Centuries. Unfortunately, some of those icons were damaged but they were restored later.
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FAQ
What Should I Wear While Being in Egypt?
You should wear whatever you want. It is advised to wear something light from cotton or linen, comfortable and put on sunblock during your time in Egypt in the summer and wear comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the sandy terrain.
What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?
You should bring a brimmed hat and sunglasses if you not used to the Egyptian sun &pack everything you could ever need and put in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.
Are All Nile Cruises Available at Any Time?
Yes, it is available all years. as the Nile from Aswan to Luxor takes three to four days of sailing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the total cost of 600$ and the Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan take four to five days in Saturday, Monday and Thursday for the coast of 650$.
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We have experience in vacation planning for more than 10 years & our staff consists of the most professional operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort create the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time advisors to fit your every possible need during your time in egypt. we always keep in mind that your safety & comfort are our main priority until you return home.
Is it safe to travel to Egypt?
Yes, it is absolutely safe to travel to egypt, You will feel secure in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is very peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt and construct an entire environment dedicated for ensuring the lives of all tourists.
What are Egypt's Visa Requirements?
They are very simples, If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries(check the link), have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD entry fee in cash. As for the E-Visa for 30 days, you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could be one of the countries eligible for a free visa for 90 days.
What is the Weather is Like?
The temperature of Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c, Summer in Egypt is somehow hot and winter is cool and mild but sometimes it becomes cold at night. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 23 ¡ÆC in the summertime and average high temperatures vary from 17 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 32 ¡ÆC in the summertime while the temperature is moderate all along the coasts.
What is the Best Time of Visit Egypt?
It is known the best time to travel to Egypt is in the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a bit tropical, a warm atmosphere with a winter breeze. You will also be notified a week before your trip if the weather is unsafe or if any changes have been made.
Should I Give Tips in Egypt?
It is totally up to you, but if you choose to you can tip the servers at your restaurant 5-10% by handing it to them directly and 5 Egyptian Pounds as a general tip of anyone.
Can I Enter the Pyramids?
Yes, you can enter the pyramids for the small fee of 20$.
How to Enjoy Egypt During Ramadan?
Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims that should be celebrated by non-Muslims and feel the essence of the Islamic culture. You can fast with the Muslim or just observe but you are always welcome to join the celebrations and festivals.
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