Church of St. George

Welcome to Coptic Cairo, a historic quarter that feels like a quiet sanctuary preserved within the heart of a chaotic metropolis. We are standing at the entrance to the Church of Saint George, or Ma-ree Geer-gees, a unique Greek…

To understand the Church of Saint George, we must first look downward. We are standing atop the ruins of the Roman Fortress of Babylon, a structure that dates back to around 300 AD, though its origins as a Babylonian trading port…

As we enter the sanctuary, the circular nature of the rotunda becomes even more apparent. The current building was completed in the early 20th century following a fire in 1904 that destroyed much of the 10th-century structure. …

The Church of Saint George is a treasure trove of Greek Orthodox iconography. The most prominent image you will see throughout the church is that of Saint George himself—a young, handsome soldier on a white horse, plunging a…

One of the most moving parts of the Church of Saint George is located beneath the main sanctuary: the ancient dungeons. It is believed that this is where Saint George was imprisoned and tortured by the Romans before he was sent…

As we move toward the outer halls and the perimeter of the church, take a moment to admire the modern mosaics that decorate the walls. These are a relatively recent addition, but they are executed with incredible skill, using…

A hidden gem within the St. George complex is the beautiful 'Khat el-Arson,' or the wedding chamber. …

As you exit the Church of Saint George and step back into the narrow alleys of Coptic Cairo, take a moment to look back at the great dome rising above the Roman towers. This site is a powerful reminder of the resilience of faith. …