圣谢尔盖和巴克斯教堂
圣塞尔吉斯和巴克斯教堂：开罗古老的基督教遗产宝石
在开罗众多的历史和珍贵的建筑中，有一座最古老、最重要的基督徒雕像，那就是圣塞尔吉斯和巴克斯教堂，被称为阿布塞尔加。 这座后来被认为存在于第四世纪对的古老教堂不仅仅是科普特基督徒的崇拜中心，而且是了解埃及土地宗教历史的关键方面。 由于它的联系和令人叹为观止的历史和建筑，阿布塞尔加仍然是许多从世界各地来到埃及的人的崇拜和朝圣之地。
圣塞尔加和巴克斯教堂位于开罗科普特区附近，还有其他具有基督教重要性的地方，如悬挂教堂和本以斯拉犹太教堂；因此，对于那些希望了解埃及罕见的基督教方面的人来说，最好去参观教堂。
简史：早期基督教的根源
位于所谓的拜占庭城墙内的教堂是献给圣塞尔吉乌斯和巴克斯的，这两位烈士是马克西米安皇帝本人在罗马军队的士兵。 在东罗马帝国，在基督教日益增长的对手统治期间，崇敬他们是一种时尚，因为他们都遭受了迫害。 在早期的基督徒中，甚至有一个关于圣徒苦难的广泛叙述，围绕着这样的迫害和殉难事件。 因此，这座教堂是作为其纪念馆之一建造的，与圣徒的叙述高度相关。
然而，最引人注目的是与神圣的家庭有关：玛丽，约瑟夫和婴儿耶稣在他们飞往埃及。 在科普特据说，在希律王统治期间，神圣的家庭在教堂下的一个洞穴中寻求庇护。 这使教堂成为埃及朝圣的热门地点，特别是在科普特人中，他们尊重神圣家庭的保护性旅行。
地穴：神圣家庭的神圣避难所
圣塞尔吉乌斯和巴克斯教堂的一个值得注意和精神上加深的特征是它的地下墓穴，被认为是神圣家族在埃及期间居住的地方。 地穴位于约10米的深度，是许多教堂奉献者的焦点。
非常受人尊敬的咖啡馆是一个很好的突破，从相当不稳定的恐吓感觉。 当一个人进入低矮，狭窄，黑暗的通道时，他们周围的历史似乎是压倒性的。 地穴相当小，只有一个祭坛在圣家被认为已经花了一段时间的地方。 许多游客在这个地方鞠躬，这就是所谓的圣家感恩，为那些来寻求帮助的人的需要祈祷。
此外，地穴还提升了教堂的神秘性和神圣性，以及尼罗河高水位季节的洪水。 对于前往埃及的基督徒来说，站在耶稣最有可能被关押的地方的那一刻是一种无法忘记的经历。
建筑之美：古色古香与简约的融合
虽然圣塞尔吉乌斯和巴克斯教堂比大多数基督教教堂都不那么奢侈，但它在装饰方面所缺乏的不仅仅是它经得起时间考验的建筑优雅所弥补的。 教堂的几何布局采用经典的大教堂结构设计，其中有一个中央中殿，两个横向过道和12个高耸的柱子，这些柱子代表了12位使徒。 木制天花板以挪亚方舟的形式制作，与教会作为避风港的自我诠释产生了共鸣。
教堂的室内设计和装饰的特点是存在最美丽的元素，即圣像，或将祭坛与教堂分开的木墙。 这个屏幕上的图标，显示了各种圣经场景和科普特圣人，是惊人的，使人忘记一切，从事沉默。 在圣殿的中心，就在祭坛的上方，有一个大的基督Pantocrator图标，也被称为全能基督，他正在将目光投向教会中的人。
教堂的内部装饰着古老的壁画和肖像画，其中大部分都是精心保存的。 这些宗教艺术品可以被比作美学杰作，但实际上是描绘基督教的画布，包括他们的信仰和奉献，这扩展了空间的神圣性。
由于这种考虑，教堂的设计哲学包含了不寻常的装饰，因为教堂的设计更多地强调所达到的灵性而不是装饰方面。 这增强了教堂的宁静和沉思的气氛，对于希望进行无声祈祷或反思的人来说是最理想的。
宗教意义和朝圣
圣塞尔吉乌斯和巴克斯教会不仅对科普特基督徒而且对整个基督身体都非常重要。 它是神圣家族小径上最重要的地点之一，这条朝圣之路是为了纪念据说神圣家族访问过的埃及境内的不同地点。
来自埃及各地和世界各地的游客来到阿布塞尔加教堂向神圣的家庭致敬，在神社祈祷，并参加宗教仪式。 这座教堂在每年6月1日庆祝的圣家节期间最拥挤，因为许多人来到教堂记住圣家是如何逃往埃及的。
此外，寺庙还作为居住在开罗的科普特社区的工作教堂。 正是在这里，定期的服务，群众和其他宗教庆祝活动进行，其中会众聚集在一起表达他们的信仰，并与早期的基督教圣徒和基督的家人保持联系。
教会在科普特开罗的角色
科普特开罗的焦点之一是圣塞尔吉斯和巴克斯教堂，它位于一个拥有埃及一些最重要的基督教和犹太遗址的社区。 科普特文化是埃及的一个重要方面，埃及在伊斯兰教出现之前很久就有其丰富的历史，今天人们充分认识到这种宗教在埃及的影响。
阿布*塞尔加（Abu Serga）毗邻科普特开罗（Coptic Cairo）的其他一些着名景点，包括以其美丽的中殿"悬挂"而闻名的悬挂教堂（Hanging Church）和科普特博物馆（Coptic Museum），其中包含基督教遗物，手 参观教堂的游客也参观了这些地点，这有助于更好地了解科普特东正教及其在埃及的历史。
教会同样代表了埃及境内宗教的和谐存在，因为本以斯拉犹太教堂，埃及最古老的犹太教堂之一，位于它旁边。 这只能证明埃及人长期以来对其他宗教非常宽容的说法。
参观教堂：穿越时间的旅程
在一个早已逝去的时代，每个时代都有一个voyageurs和les pèlerins，une visite de Saint-Sergius-et-Bacchus est。 教堂坐落在旧开罗地区，那里有狭窄蜿蜒的街道。 当你走向教堂时，你被许多世纪前的历史所笼罩。 当一个人进入教堂时，气氛的平静和神圣的传家宝让人回到了基督教在埃及年轻的时代。
在访问过程中，可以参加导游，这将讲述这个地方的历史，它如何与神圣的家庭联系，以及它如何与科普特人一起运作。 大多数来这里的人都欣赏教堂的安静优雅，并能在它的旧墙上找到慰藉和灵性的源泉。
由于教堂坐落在旧开罗，它是很好的范围内的任何旅游重点发现附近。 然而，阿布*塞尔加的访问还辅之以对阿姆尔*伊本*阿斯清真寺的访问，该清真寺位于附近，是非洲第一座清真寺，有助于更好地了解埃及以其着名的宗教多元性。
A-信仰与历史的支柱
圣塞尔吉斯和巴克斯教堂是古埃及基督教起源以及该国多元历史背景的缩影。 由于它与神圣家庭的密切联系，它作为埃及先驱教会之一的地位，以及它与科普特基督徒至今的相关性，这座教堂对埃及的基督教历史提供了无与伦比的洞察力。
圣塞尔日和巴克斯教堂只是强制性的，无论是精神誓言，研究古老的基督教建筑痕迹，还是调查宗教埃及。 这项活动是完全不同的,影响到每一个参与者—-无论是在教堂的地穴弯曲膝盖与神圣家庭的避难所有关,还是仅仅看着阿布塞尔加教堂内美丽而古老的壁画。
Among the manifold historical and cherished structures across Cairo is one of the oldest and most significant statues for Christians, which is the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, known as Abu Serga. This old church that is later believed to have existed in the pairs of the fourth century is more than just a worship center for Coptic Christians but a crucial aspect in understanding the religious history of the land of Egypt. Thanks to its association and breathtaking history and architecture, Abu Serga is still a site of worship and pilgrimage for many who come to Egypt from different corners of the globe.
The church of Saint Serga and Bacchus is situated around the Coptic Quarter in Cairo together with other places of Christian importance such as The Hanging Church and The Ben Ezra Synagogue; thus, it is advisable to visit the church for those people who wish to get acquainted with the rarely seen Christian aspect of Egypt.
The church located within the so-called Byzantine walls is dedicated to Saint Sergius and Bacchus, two martyrs who were soldiers in the Roman army under Emperor Maximian himself. It had been fashionable to venerate them in the Eastern Roman Empire during the reign of the growing adversary of Christianity since both suffered from its persecutions. There was even a widespread narrative among early Christians of the suffering of the saints, surrounding such instances of persecution and martyrdom. Thus, this church was built as one of its memorials and is highly associated with the saints’ narrative.
However, the most remarkable one is in connection with the Holy Family: Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus on their flight to Egypt. It is said in Coptic that the Holy Family sought shelter in a cave under the church during the reign of King Herod. This has turned the church into a popular site of pilgrimage in Egypt, particularly among the Copts who respect the Holy Family for its protective travel.
The Crypt: A Sacred Refuge of the Holy Family
One of the noteworthy and spiritually deepened characteristics of the Church of Saint Sergius and Bacchus is its underground crypt, which is thought to have been the place where the Holy Family stayed while in Egypt. The crypt is situated at a depth of approximately 10 meters and is the focus of many church devotees.
The Very Revered One’s Cafe is a great break from the rather shaky feeling of intimidation. As one enters the low, narrow, dark passageway, the history around them seems to be overwhelming. The crypt is rather small, with just an altar at the spot where the Holy Family is believed to have spent some time. Many visitors bow down in this place, which is so called the Thanksgiving for the Holy Family, praying for the needs of the people who have come for their aid.
The crypt moreover serves to elevate the mystery and the sacredness of the church, as well as floods during the seasons of high Nile waters. For Christians traveling to Egypt, the moment one stands where the Child Jesus was most likely kept is an experience that is impossible to forget.
While the Church of Saint Sergius and Bacchus is less extravagant than most Christian cathedrals, what it lacks in embellishments is more than compensated by its architectural grace that has stood the test of time. The geometric layout of the church is designed in a classic basilica configuration, whereby there is a single central nave, two lateral aisles, and 12 towering pillars that are representative of the 12 apostles. And the wooden ceiling, crafted in the form of the Ark of Noah, resonates with the self-interpretation of the church as a haven.
The church’s interior design and decoration are characterized by the presence of the most beautiful element, which is the iconostasis, or the wooden wall separating the altar from the church. The icons on this screen, which show various biblical scenes and Coptic saints, are striking to the point of making one forget everything and engage in silence. In the center of the temple, just above the altar, there is a large icon of Christ Pantocrator, also known as Christ the All-Powerful, who is directing his gaze on the people in the church.
The interiors of the church are decorated with both ancient frescoes and iconographic paintings, most of them painstakingly preserved for ages. These religious artworks can be likened to masterpieces in aesthetics but are in fact canvas for picturing the Christian religion to include their beliefs and devotion, which extends the sanctity of the space.
As a result of this consideration, the design philosophy of the church contains unusual decor owing to the church’s design stressing more on the spirituality achieved than the decorative aspects. This enhances the tranquil and contemplative atmosphere of the church and is most desirable for individuals wishing to engage in silent prayer or reflection.
The Church of Saint Sergius and Bacchus is of great importance, not only to Coptic Christians but to the entire body of Christ. It ranks as one of the most important locations on the Holy Family Trail, a pilgrimage path that honors the different sites within Egypt that the Holy Family is said to have visited.
Visitors from all over Egypt and the world come to Abu Serga church to pay their respects to the Holy Family, pray in the shrine, and take part in religious services. This church is most crowded during the Feast of the Holy Family, which is celebrated every June 1st, as many people come to the church to remember how the Holy Family fled to Egypt.
In addition, the temple functions as a working church for the Coptic community residing in Cairo. It is here that regular services, masses, and other religious festivities are conducted, in which the congregants come together to express their beliefs and stay in touch with the early Christian saints and Christ’s family.
The Church’s Role in Coptic Cairo
One of the focal points of Coptic Cairo is the Church of Saint Sergius and Bacchus, which is located in a neighborhood that boasts some of the most significant Christian and Jewish sites in Egypt. Coptic culture is an important aspect of Egypt, which had its rich history long before the advent of Islam, and it is fully appreciated the impact of that religion in Egypt today.
Abu Serga is located next to some of the other famous sites of Coptic Cairo, including The Hanging Church, famous for its beautiful nave ‘hanging’ in the air, and the Coptic Museum, which contains a treasure trove of Christian relics, manuscripts, and artworks. The visitors to the church also visit these sites, which helps in understanding the Coptic Orthodox religion and its history in Egypt better.
The church likewise represents the harmonious existence of religions within Egypt because the Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in Egypt, is located next to it. This only gives credence to the claim that for a long time, Egyptians were very tolerant of other religions.
