In the southern part of Coptic Cairo, away from the main tourist routes, lies St. George Monastery (St. George Shrine). This site safeguards a major Christian relic: the chains in which St. George is believed to have been shackled during his tortures. For centuries, pilgrims from around the world have journeyed here specifically to pray before these chains, seeking healing and intercession.
History and Architecture of the Shrine
The heart of the monastery is the ancient shrine, with its core structure dating back to the 10th century.
• Architecture: It is a spacious hall measuring 23 meters long and 9 meters wide. A distinctive feature is the seven adjoining cell-like rooms, which historians suggest may have served as the nuns` private quarters.
• The Unique Door: The shrine is accessed through a giant wooden door, 7.6 meters high, crafted in the 10th century. Considered one of the rarest in the world, it is made from only four panels of solid wood.
• Decor: The wooden ceilings and stone arches are adorned with intricate carvings. One frieze is inscribed with words from Psalm 91: "...For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."
The Main Relic: The Chain of St. George
Housed in the central part of the shrine is the revered Chain of Martyrdom.
According to tradition, this is the very chain that bound St. George during his torments ordered by the Persian King Dadian. For the faithful, any object that touched a martyr`s body becomes a source of blessing and grace (paralleling the story of the Apostle Paul in Acts 19:12).
The chain is considered miraculous. Many healings are attributed to it through faith, and pilgrims seek to touch it or even place it upon themselves in prayer for liberation from illness or life`s hardships.
Other Significant Features of the Monastery
• 19th-Century Icon: The monastery holds a historical icon of St. George painted in the Greek manner. It depicts the seven crowns that two angels are placing on the saint`s head, symbolizing his victory over seven years of torture.
• Modern Mosaic: A large mosaic icon of the saint from 1988, created from a historical prototype, is located at the entrance.
• The Library: Since 1995, a modern two-level library housing a collection of books, manuscripts, and audio-visual materials has been in operation at the convent.
St. George Monastery is, above all, a place of spiritual power and pilgrimage, centered on the 10th-century shrine and its greatest relic: the martyr`s chain. A visit here offers a profound insight into the living faith and traditions of the Coptic Church.
