Travel on a Holy Land Tour to Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church the site where the Virgin Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus rested in Egypt from Herod Persecution

The Holy Family's Journey to Egypt

In Matthew 2:13-15, we read:

“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’ So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod.”

This sacred passage is a cornerstone of Christian tradition. It recounts the divine protection over Jesus’ early life and how the Holy Family fled persecution by Herod the Great. Seeking safety, Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus crossed into Egypt, fulfilling prophecy: “Out of Egypt I called my son” (Hosea 11:1, echoed in Matthew 2:15). Their journey—fraught with danger, faith, and divine guidance—would become a treasured part of biblical heritage.

According to tradition, they reached as far south as Assiut before making their way back north. Along the way, they paused in many places, including Old Cairo. One of these sacred resting points is believed to be the site where the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga) now stands. Joseph likely found work near the Roman fortress in the area while the family sought refuge and peace after their arduous journey.

The Legacy of Saints Sergius and Bacchus

The church, commonly known as Abu Serga, is not only a sacred place because of its association with the Holy Family but also due to the saints it honors. Saints Sergius and Bacchus were Roman soldiers who secretly converted to Christianity. Refusing to worship Roman gods, they were tortured and ultimately martyred in Syria around 296 A.D. under the rule of Emperor Galerius. Their faith, bravery, and loyalty to Christ made them venerated saints across the Christian world.

Though they died far from Egypt, parts of their relics are kept at Abu Serga, while others remain in Syria. This connection to early Christian martyrs gives the church additional spiritual and historical weight, deepening its role as a sacred space for reflection and worship.

A Pillar of the Coptic Church

Abu Serga has been a key religious site since the earliest days of Christianity in Egypt. Built in the 4th century and likely completed in the 5th, the church was constructed in the shape of a basilica. Throughout the centuries, it became a central location for the Coptic Orthodox Church. It was here that the first Patriarch of the Coptic Church, Isaac (681–692 A.D.), was elected. Over time, many other patriarchs and bishops were consecrated in this very church. From the 9th through 12th centuries, Abu Serga served as a prominent episcopal seat of Masr, replacing the ancient See of Babylon.

Even though the church has been damaged by time and fire—particularly during the fire of Fustat under the reign of Marwan II in the 8th century—it was lovingly restored many times: in the 11th century, again in the 17th, and most recently in 2000. Despite these restorations, Abu Serga retains much of its original structure and aesthetic, reflecting the enduring beauty of medieval Coptic design.

A Sacred Experience for Every Christian

The highlight of a visit to Abu Serga is undoubtedly the underground crypt, said to have sheltered the Holy Family during their time in Egypt. Located 10 meters below the main altar, the crypt becomes flooded when Nile waters rise, reminding pilgrims of the fragility and resilience of early Christian sanctuaries. It is in this small, humble space where one can reflect deeply on the vulnerability of Jesus’ infancy and the providence that protected Him.

One of Egypt’s oldest Christian altars was once housed here before it was transferred to the Coptic Museum for preservation. The church’s wooden ceiling was designed in the shape of Noah’s Ark, symbolizing refuge, salvation, and God’s enduring covenant with His people.

For believers, these features are not merely architectural—they are living symbols of biblical truth. To walk into Abu Serga is to walk into the Gospel narrative. You are not just a visitor; you are a participant in the story of Christ’s early life.

Scripture Comes Alive in the Holy Land

At Holy Land Tours Travel, we strive to bring the Bible to life—not only through expert guides but through meaningful, spirit-filled encounters at each sacred site. Abu Serga represents more than history; it is a testimony to divine protection, prophecy fulfilled, and the rich Christian heritage preserved by the faithful for centuries.

As believers stand inside Abu Serga’s crypt, many feel the truth of Psalm 91:11:

“For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”

It is in sacred places like this that the scriptures cease to be abstract. They become vivid, tangible, and deeply personal. You can feel the echo of Mary’s footsteps, sense Joseph’s strength and obedience, and understand, even if only for a moment, the magnitude of God’s plan unfolding in the most unexpected of places.

Walk in the Footsteps of Faith

Whether you're a devout pilgrim, a student of Scripture, or a Christian traveler seeking deeper understanding, visiting Abu Serga offers a profound connection to your faith. This is a place where history and holiness meet—a site where the cries of the infant Jesus may have echoed, where saints were honored, and where patriarchs led the faithful.

Our 15-day Christian Egypt, Jordan, and Israel tour includes Abu Serga among many other transformative destinations. As you walk the paths of biblical figures, guided by scripture and history, your heart is stirred to worship and wonder.