Cairo is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is surprising that what is considered the oldest part of town is still pretty modern in its overall history; this is just the part of the city that has survived the longest. Despite its age, it is one of the places that brings in tourists, pilgrims and curious because it is the Christian part of town, and boasts some impressive old Coptic churches that have their own history that adds more to a city that already has a lot to offer.
The most visited of these churches is the Church of St. George. It is a Greek Orthodox church that looms over the whole neighborhood, and its history emanates from the site. This is the place where St. George was held, and tortured for seven years as they tried to have him denounce his faith in the Catholic church.
The church holds many of the torture devices that were used to convince St. George of the conversion to no avail. They are housed in the same cell where he lived for the seven years, and even include the chain that was used to keep him captive. The chain is the main attraction for visitors here. It is said that if you hold the chain, and say a prayer that God will hear and grant this request. There is always a line of people waiting for their chance to hold the chain.
The history of this part of Cairo goes back even further than St. George. Another church that gathers a lot of people is Saint Sergius and Bacchus Church. It is told that in a cave underneath the altar there is a cave where the Holy Family stayed when they had escaped King Herod’s reign and voyaged into this region. Many people come to this church as well to hop into the line that allows them to walk through the cave and take quick pictures of what their lives might have looked like back then.
The hanging church also brings in many visitors. On the outside, it does not look like much, a plain church that sits on top of many steps in the middle of town. What many people do not realize when they first enter the church is that there in no bottom floor. Underneath the church is another street with a whole group of visitors passing by without ever knowing that there is a church above them. It is an interesting architectural marvel that once you are inside you can see why it has earned the name the hanging church.
The courtyard of the church also has some beautiful mosaics to look at. Though they have been a recent addition to the area, they still add to the feel of the place. Even though they feel a little out of place in Egypt, it is interesting to know that there are so many of them in the Coptic part of the city.
It is interesting to see how much of Jesus’s story is present in the streets of Old Cairo. It is as much a part of the cultural of Egypt as the pharaohs, and adds another layer to this country. It makes traveling to the Coptic churches in Cairo just as much of a tourist destination as to the pyramids. Make sure that you spend at least part of your time in this historic part of Cairo.
John Collings 