Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus
The Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus in Old Cairo, known among the faithful as Abu Serga, preserves the memory of the Roman era, the first centuries of Christianity, and the flight of the Holy Family into Egypt as described in the Gospels—when King Herod, upon learning from the Magi about the birth of the King of the Jews, ordered the massacre of all infants in Bethlehem.
Located on the ruins of the ancient Roman Babylon Fortress, this church is a spiritual center of the Coptic Orthodox Church and an object of deep veneration for pilgrims from around the world.
History of Construction: From a Roman Fortress to a Christian Sanctuary
The Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus was founded in the 7th century during the rule of the Arab Umayyad caliphate in Egypt. Its construction is associated with Athanasius, a scribe for the governor of Egypt, Abd al-Aziz ibn Marwan. This fact is unique in itself: the building of a significant Christian church was permitted and even seemingly supported by Muslim authorities, indicating the special status of the Coptic community at that time.
The temple was built directly on the ruins and foundations of the Roman Babylon Fortress. Moreover, beneath its altar section, a fragment of an ancient Roman limestone wall, 6.5 meters high, has been preserved. Historians believe this wall was part of the entrance to the Amnis Traianus canal. Constructed in the 2nd century, this canal connected the Nile to the Red Sea and was a vital artery of the Roman Empire.
Historical Milestones of the Church:
• Circa 750 AD: The church was severely damaged by a fire in Fustat during the reign of Caliph Marwan II but was restored by the end of the 8th century.
• From 681 AD: The temple became the site for electing Coptic patriarchs. This tradition began with the election of Patriarch Isaac (681–692) and continued until the mid-11th century, underscoring Abu Serga`s special status as the spiritual and administrative center of the Coptic Church.
The connection to the Holy Family is the primary reason for the sanctity of this place. According to ancient tradition, the cave (crypt) located directly beneath the main altar of the church provided refuge for the Virgin Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus during their flight into Egypt from King Herod. The crypt itself was likely arranged later, in the 11th century, but the site is venerated as one of the earliest testimonies of Christianity on Egyptian soil.
Saints Sergius and Bacchus: Soldier-Martyrs
The church is consecrated in honor of two early Christian soldier-martyrs—Sergius and Bacchus.
Who they were: They were high-ranking officers in the Roman army during the time of Emperor Maximian (late 3rd – early 4th century). Their story is known from hagiographic texts, where they appear not only as comrades-in-arms but also as close friends united by their common Christian faith.
Martyrdom: When their faith was discovered, the emperor, wishing to humiliate them, ordered their military insignia removed and for them to be dressed in women`s clothing. However, the saints endured the mockery steadfastly. They were then subjected to cruel torture. First, Bacchus was beaten to death, and then Sergius was beheaded. Their steadfastness and loyalty to Christ made them among the most venerated soldier-martyrs in both Eastern and Western Christian traditions.
Patronage: Saints Sergius and Bacchus are considered patrons of soldiers and also exemplars of faithful friendship and unwavering faith in the face of authority.
Architecture and Interior: A Basilica at the Heart of the Fortress
The Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus is a classic example of Coptic basilica architecture, strongly influenced by both local Egyptian and Byzantine Christian traditions.
Layout of the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus:
• Narthex: Serves as a transitional zone from the outside world into the sacred space of the temple.
• Nave: A spacious, rectangular central hall for worshippers. The nave`s roof is elevated, and it is illuminated by clerestory windows.
• Side Aisles: Two narrow passages separated from the nave by rows of ancient marble columns.
• Sanctuary: Located on a raised platform in the eastern part of the church. It is here, beneath the altar, that the entrance to the sacred crypt is found.
Features of the Interior:
Wooden Ceiling: The arched form of the central nave`s ceiling carries deep symbolic meaning. It is believed to resemble Noah`s Ark—a symbol of salvation and refuge for believers in the turbulent waters of worldly life.
Iconostasis and Doors: The wooden iconostasis (altar screen) and the ancient door panels are of particular value. They are adorned with exquisite ivory inlay, forming intricate geometric patterns—a magnificent example of Coptic decorative and applied art.
Main Relics and Most Valuable Icons
Crypt of the Holy Family — the primary relic of the church. This is a small, low cave accessed by steps from the sanctuary. An atmosphere of reverent silence and antiquity prevails in the crypt. Here, pilgrims pray and remember the flight into Egypt. Due to the high groundwater level, the crypt is often flooded, which only adds to its symbolism.
• Icons of the Patron Saints: The church houses many ancient icons. A special place is occupied by images of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, often depicted in military armor. Their icons are not only objects of prayerful veneration but also important historical and artistic monuments.
• Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos (Virgin Mary): The image of the Theotokos, associated with the altar dedicated to Her, is deeply revered by the faithful.
• Icon of Saint George: As in many Coptic churches, the image of St. George the Victory-Bearer slaying the dragon holds a prominent place.
The Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga) is one of the most important historical and spiritual Christian monuments in Old Cairo. Here, evidence from different eras—from the Roman fortress to the legacy of the first Christians—has been preserved in the authentic architecture of the basilica, its relics, and the ongoing tradition of worship.
