Coptic Cairo - Mar Girgis - Church of St George

The Huge and currently under renovation Saint George Church in Coptic Cairo is the seat of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, the local Greek Orthodox Church of Egypt. The Church and it's monastery is in The Coptic Cairo area of Old Cairo and was built during the 10th century, during the rule of the Fatimids. the Church is separate from the main wall of Coptic Cairo and inside the church complex are the greek orthodox cemetery and offices of the greek orthodox church. the church is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm everyday and inside are the underground levels of th church is the cypts housing the Patriarch of Yesteryears. the style of the church is ancient roman as it was believed to be built on the remains of an old roman garrison.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria (Egpyt) headquarters is at the Saint George Church and just lying north of the Church is the huge Greek Orthodox Cemetery, where prominent greek orthodox clergymen and laity through the ages are interred. the cemetery lies near the main entrance to Coptic Cairo and is often mistaken as a Coptic Christian Cemetery.The Cemetery is closed at present to tourists and the gates are often closed. After the Cemetery is the Cairo Metro Station of Mar Girgis, which connects the district via the metro to other parts of Greater Cairo.

In the Coptic Cairo there is also a cemetery that contains a very small and nice curch, at the beginning we thought it was the virgin Mary church cause of the many rapresentations of the virgin. In the cemetery which is worth a short visit the graves are all decorated with angels, saints, crosses, it is said to be one of the orettiest cemeteries in all Egypt.

A greek orthodox church, the Orthodox Church of St. George is the only round church in Egypt. Originally built during the 10th century, the present church standing is actually built in 1904.

The entrance of the complex is through a gate along the main road and you will have to ascend a long wide flight of stairs going to the inside of the church. St. George is a popular warrior saint. The church is the seat of the Greek Patriarch of Alexandria. The interior and dome of the church is impressive albeit dark.

Adjoining the Monastery of St. George, the round church is few steps (and hugely visible) from the Mar Girgis Metro station.

Entry is free.

The Churge of St. George is a complex that includes both a church and a monastery, next beside the Babylon Fortress. You won't miss it, it's a huge round church (the only one in Egypt), few steps from the Mar Girgis Metro Station.

The church is built on top of an existing roman tower. Founded during the 10th century.

Its open from 9am - 4pm, and just like most attractions around the coptic area --- entry is Free!

Greek Chapel of St George
There is a lot of reconstruction still going on here ,so we took only a quick stop. Inside the majority of the church is strewn with rubble. The highlight is a chamber featuring a chain that was used to hang St George. The faithful take there turn kissing the chain and receiving the blessing.

Saint George , one of the most important Saints in Greek Orthodox tradition, couldn't miss from this particular side of Cairo. I didn't understand why Greek flags were needed around the Church as most of us can read and those who don't...well, they wouldn't distinguish the country the flag belongs to anyway.
As a side comment, the cemetery is very quiet and some grave stones have beautiful carved monuments of granite and marble.

There is a little Coptic Church on the River Nile at Maadi which is fascinating. You can have guided tours or just go for a look or a prayer if you wish. Some very interesting artefacts there and it is said that it is the spot where Moses landed in Egypt and also where Joseph Mary and Jesus fled to, to escape the invading Romans.

I have the name, address and telephone number plus some photos of this most interesting place, but as I have just recently moved house I will need to unpack a bit more before I can update the posting information here.

The Greek Church of St. George (Mari Girgis) is one of the few round churches still exist in the East, formed from it's placement atop a rounded Roman tower.
The Church is founded in the VII-th century.

The steps into the Church are built on the outer wall and the Roman towers. You will find a relief of St. George and the dragon (by the Russian artist Boris Fredman-Klusell) wrapped around the outer brickwork of the tower. The church had been burned many times. It burned completely in 1904. Its modern view was formed in 1909. For centuries, the Church alternated between ownership by the Copts and the Greek, but since the XV-th century it has remained Greek Orthodox, and the adjoining Monastery of St. George. In 1950th the most of Greeks left Egypt and the Monastery doesn’t exist now.

The Church has a richly decorated nave and beautiful stained-glass windows.

It is open daily 8.00-12.45 and 14.30 – 15.15.

You may watch my video-clip from my personal channel on YouTube: 2 min 39 sec Egypt Cairo Old St George Monastery 2007

There are two St. George Churches in Old Cairo. One belongs to the former Greek Orthodox Convent. It’s seen from everywhere and nobody misses it while strolling around Christian part of Cairo.

Another church is small and hidden in the quarter. It was founded in the VII-th century but was lost in the XIX-th century in fire. The new building was constructed in Coptic traditions. Interiors are rather poor I should say…

The Church is open daily 8.00-16.00.

The whole complex is dedicated to St.George, the saint-warrior who was the roman soldier. The Monastery dates from 7th century. The buildings of the nunnery were closed to the public but it was nice just to have a peep in the peaceful gardens and admire the exterior of this holly place.
The nuns take care of the whole compund including the Church.

St. Georgre Chapel is the most interesting part of the Monastery complex. It has been converted into Church in 15th century, before, it was the place used by Mamelukes. The main feature of the chapel is the double door of the extreme height of about 7 meters. The door separate an altar from the rest of the chapel. Other very interesting thing is the chain put on the wall of the Chapel. According to local belief, the chains of St George possess the power to cure from mental and some other illnesses.