Holy Family and Coptic Heritage: Discover Christian Egypt

Egypt holds a unique and deeply venerated position in the history of Christianity. Beyond the Pharaohs and pyramids there is a rich spiritual legacy that dates back over two Millennia. This heritage draws on two crucial pillars: the New Testament account of the Flight of the Holy Family into Egypt and the presence of the Coptic Christianity religion that dates back to the first century AD and was the birthplace of Christian Monasticism.

For modern day visitors, historians and Christian pilgrims there are myriad fascinating opportunities to explore Christian Egypt; from wandering through the subterranean crypts of Old Cairo, to visiting tranquil desert monasteries hidden away in the western oases, and exploring cliff side sanctuaries harking back to the times of the Pharaohs in Upper Egypt.

The Sacred Trail: Flight of the Holy Family

The story of Christian Egypt begins with the Holy Family. According to the New Testament, an Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him to "take the child and his mother and go to Egypt". They crossed the desert border of Sinai and over a distance of over 3,500 km fled through the length and breadth of the country.

They wandered the Nile Delta, lived in the towns by the river and eventually sailed south towards the mountainous region of Upper Egypt. There are twenty five officially recognized sites where the Holy Family passed through which feature miracle sites, holy water springs and places of shelter.

Key Landmarks along the Holy Family Trail

Old Cairo (Babylon Fortress): The fortified citadel of Old Cairo encloses a number of excavated churches, most notably the fourth century Church of Saint Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga) built directly over the underground stone cavern where the Holy Family resided for several weeks. The famous Hanging Church (Al-Muallaka) can be seen suspended over the Roman gatehouses with its exquisite Coptic wood work and ivory inlay.

Matariya and the Sacred Tree: In northern greater Cairo lies the district of Matariya where the Holy Family rested beneath the shade of a sycamore tree known as Mary's Tree (Shagarat Mariam) before heading towards Upper Egypt. It is said that Jesus blessed a water spring close by which used to nourish the balsam trees used in the preparation of holy oils.

The Nile Waterfront at Maadi: At the Church of the Virgin Mary in Maadi, there is access to the river banks via a flight of steps carved into the rock. Here the Holy Family boarded a small wooden sail boat which was to take them south towards Upper Egypt. The church houses a historic Bible that was found floating in the river in 1976, open to the Book of Isaiah: "Blessed be Egypt my people."

Gabal El-Teir (Mountain of the Birds): Located near to Samalut in the Minya Governorate is a white limestone outcrop known as Gabal El-Teir where a rock-hewn church built in 328 AD by Empress Helena stands located on a natural mountain cave that affords dramatic views over the green Nile Valley - the family had taken up residence here.

Deir El-Muharraq (Mount Qosqam): Located near to El Qusia in Assiut Governorate is the monastery of Deir El Muharraq. Here the family had taken up residence in a humble mudbrick room for six months and ten days after their arrival in Egypt - the longest time they ever spent at any one place. The stone altar of the first century chapel within the Deir is thought to be one of the oldest Christian altars still in use today.

Saint Mark and the Rise of the Coptic Church

In the year 42 AD, shortly after the Resurrection there arrived in Egypt the Apostle Saint Mark the Evangelist. He is said to have preached the Gospel in the great bustling harbor city of Alexandria. It is in Alexandria that the name 'Coptic' has its origin, being derived from the Greek word Aigyptios meaning Egyptian. The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria is the native Christian church of Egypt and continues today as a bastion of an ancient liturgy, artistic tradition and unwavering devotion to the Christian faith.

The Catechetical School of Alexandria

Under the Coptic leadership the city of Alexandria grew to be the intellectual and spiritual beacon of the early Christian world. The School of Alexandria was the first school of higher theological education known to history. Outstanding theologians such as Clement of Alexandria and Origen studied and taught at the school in the second century AD. Here, Christian philosophy was furthered in harmony with the classical world view and doctrines and techniques of biblical exegesis and interpretation were devised.

The Coptic Language and Art

The Copts are famed for having produced a uniquely Egyptian linguistic and visual culture. The Coptic language is the latest phase of the ancient Egyptian language and uses the Greek script along with a few additional characters borrowed from the Demotic script. Coptic iconography has a distinctive visual style; the large stylized eyes represent a heightened spiritual awareness, the figures are depicted in a flattened perspective and vibrant imagery which subtly melds the Pharaonic world view with emerging Christian themes.

The Desert Fathers and the Cradle of Monasticism

Perhaps the most enduring legacy of Egypt's contribution to the wider Christian world was the invention of Monasticism. As Christianity began to spread throughout the Roman world in the late third and fourth centuries AD a number of devout Egyptian Christians took to the wilderness of the Egyptian deserts as a means of living a life of uncompromising faith.

Saint Anthony the Great and Hermetic Monasticism

Saint Anthony the Great (c. 251-356 AD) is regarded as the Father of Christian Monasticism. Having renounced his fortune Anthony took to living as a solitary hermit in the Eastern desert near the Red Sea where he struggled in prayer and fasting. The life and teachings of St. Anthony were recorded by his disciple St. Athanasius and they sparked an unprecedented thirst for a life of asceticism throughout Europe, Asia and Africa. The Monastery of Saint Anthony, set against the red sandstone cliffs of the Mount Cleft is one of the many active monasteries that flourish in this region and house ancient frescoes and monastic cells.

Saint Pachomius and Communal Monasticism

While St. Anthony set the precedent for the individual and isolated lifestyle of a Christian hermit, St. Pachomius (c. 292-348 AD) set up the first communal or cenobitic monasticism in Upper Egypt. Under his guidance monks lived in self contained monasteries and followed a life of manual labor, communal living, shared meals and regular prayers in addition to the principles of asceticism - a model which was to spread throughout the wider Christian world.

The Monasteries of Wadi El-Natrun

Located in the desert between Cairo and Alexandria is the valley of Wadi El-Natrun (known also as Scetis). This fertile stretch of land in the Western Desert became a thriving center of monastic life in the fourth century AD. At its peak it housed dozens of monasteries and thousands of desert fathers. Even today four historic monasteries continue to thrive:

Deir Anba Bishoy: Famous for its massive 5th century tower keep, this monastery has a reputation for peace and tranquility.

Deir Al-Suryan (Monastery of the Syrians): This world renowned monastery treasures its magnificent medieval wall frescoes and its Syriac library.

Deir Al-Baramus: Secluded and remote this monastery has been a sanctuary for the desert fathers since the early days.

Deir Abu Maqar (Monastery of Saint Macarius): This is the oldest of the monasteries and a center for theological scholarship and study.

Practical Travel Guidance for Exploring Coptic Egypt

When traveling in Egypt a few practical points bear consideration when it comes to exploring Egypt's Christian sites:

Weather: The cooler months between October and April see most outdoor desert monasteries and ancient historic sites in Upper Egypt at their best.

Culture and Attire: Explore ancient crypts and monastic chambers in traditional Coptic dress. Modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is preferable when visiting active Coptic churches and monasteries. Headscarves are appreciated for women visiting historic crypts and monasteries.

Transportation and Logistics: A private air conditioned vehicle with an experienced local guide is a necessity if wishing to visit the more distant desert monasteries in Wadi El-Natrun, Minya and Assiut.