⛪ Hanging Church (Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church)

About This Sacred Site

The Hanging Church, officially the Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church, is one of the oldest and most famous churches in Egypt, dating to the 3rd or 4th century CE. Located in Coptic Cairo, the church is called 'hanging' because its nave is suspended above the gatehouse of the Roman Babylon Fortress, with the floor hovering over the passage below. The interior features a beautiful wooden roof shaped like an inverted ark, 13 ornately decorated pillars representing Christ and the 12 apostles, and a collection of over 100 icons, some dating to the 8th century. The church served as the seat of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarch from the 7th to the 13th century.

History & Origins

The origins of Hanging Church (Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church) date to approximately c. 3rd century CE, making it established in the early centuries of the Common Era, during a period of profound religious transformation. Built above the gatehouse of the Roman Babylon Fortress, hence the name 'Hanging'. One of the oldest churches in Egypt, dating to the 3rd or 4th century CE. Contains over 100 icons, some dating to the 8th century. Served as the seat of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarch for six centuries. The traditions maintained here connect contemporary pilgrims to an unbroken chain of contemplation stretching back to c. 3rd century CE.

Spiritual Significance

Established as one of Egypt's oldest Christian sanctuaries, the church is a central site for Coptic Orthodox worship and pilgrimage, especially during the Feast of the Virgin Mary celebrated on January 7th and August 22nd according to the Coptic calendar. It houses the ancient Coptic altar, where the Divine Liturgy is celebrated following the Alexandrian Rite, deeply rooted in the teachings of Saint Mark the Evangelist, considered the founder of the Coptic Church. The church's location above the Roman Babylon Fortress gatehouse symbolizes the triumph of Christianity over pagan Roman rule, a theme often referenced in Coptic hymns and sermons. Pilgrims often venerate the relics of Saint Barbara preserved within its chapels, and the church's iconostasis contains icons dating back to the 13th century, underscoring its role in preserving Coptic iconography. The liturgical language used is Coptic and Arabic, reflecting the community's historical continuity and linguistic heritage.

Key Facts

• •Built above the gatehouse of the Roman Babylon Fortress, hence the name 'Hanging'
• •One of the oldest churches in Egypt, dating to the 3rd or 4th century CE
• •Contains over 100 icons, some dating to the 8th century
• •Served as the seat of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarch for six centuries
• •The 13 pillars in the nave represent Jesus Christ and the 12 apostles

Location

Coordinates: 30.0053, 31.2308