Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church

Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church, also known as the Abu Serga Church, is one of the oldest Coptic Christian churches in Egypt, dating back to the 7th century. Located in Old Cairo, this church is of significance to Christians because of its link to the flight of the Holy Family into Egypt. The current church was constructed above Roman ruins and exemplifies early Coptic architecture.

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History

The church of Saint Sergius and Bacchus was built in the 7th century by Athanasius, a scribe of the Umayyad governor of Egypt Abd al-Aziz ibn Marwan. Athanasius dedicated the church to Sergius and Bacchus, who were soldier-saints martyred during the 4th century in Syria by the Roman Emperor Maximian. The church was erected at the center of the remains of the Roman fortress of Babylon and is said to be a resting place of the Holy Family during their journey from Bethlehem to Egypt. Around 750, the church was burned in a fire in Fustat during the reign of Marwan II. It was later restored during the 8th century, and has been renovated constantly since medieval times.
Also known as “the Church of the Cave,” Saint Sergius and Bacchus church was constructed above a crypt said to have once housed the Holy Family. It is possible that the family rested here while Joseph worked at the Babylon Fortress. The crypt was likely built in the 11th century and is located directly below the high altar of the church. This crypt is one of the earliest examples of Coptic crypt design.
The church is also built atop a 6.5 meter limestone wall, which is said to be a remnant of the entrance to the Amnis Traianus, a Roman canal constructed in the second century. This canal was built in order to connect Rome to the Mediterranean East through the Nile River and the Red Sea.
Following its consecration in the 7th century, Saint Sergius and Bacchus church served as the location where many patriarchs and Coptic bishops were elected in accordance with the tenets of episcopal governance. This practice began with the election of Patriarch Isaac, and the Church remained the site of patriarchal elections until the mid-eleventh century.

Art and Architecture

Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church is an early example of Coptic basilica architecture, inspired by both local Egyptian and Byzantine Christian traditions. Thus, the layout and design of the church is a valuable representation of evolutionary changes in style and the social functions of Coptic churches in Cairo.

Architectural Layout

Constructed in the classic basilica style with a central nave with an elevated roof and two side isles, the building exhibits several important architectural features. The narthex is used as a transitional zone from the outside into the sacred interior like that of early Christian churches. Next is the nave or rectangular hall flanked by side aisles. These spaces are delineated by rows of marble columns and serve as the main area for worship. To one end is the elevated sanctuary, a few steps above the nave, indicating a sacred spot with three altars. The first altar is the central altar dedicated to Saints Sergius and Bacchus. Next is the southern altar that honors the highly revered Christian martyr Saint George. The third altar is the northern altar that is devoted to the importance of Virgin Mary. The crypt is located under the sanctuary, and is a space believed to have been a resting spot for the Holy Family during their sojourn in Egypt.

Ornament and Decoration

The church is embellished with numerous icons of religious scenes, apostles, and saints like Sergius, Bacchus, and George that depict the tradition of sacred art. The wooden ceiling is arched, which may refer to the theme of salvation and refuge through its resemblance to Noah’s Ark. The door panels and the iconostasis that separates the nave from the sanctuary are ornamented with ivory-inlaid woodwork bearing intricate geometric patterns.