The Churches of Egypt: From the Journey of the Holy Family to the Present Day

by Gawdat Gabra, Gertrud J.M. Van Loon, Sherif Sonbol (Photographer)

With over 300 full-color photographs, this is the first fully illustrated book devoted to Christian houses of worship in Egypt. The text incorporates the latest research to complement the broad geographic scope covering nearly all significant Coptic sites throughout the country, from the ancient Coptic churches in Old Cairo to the churches in the monasteries of Wadi al-Natrun, the Red Sea, and Upper Egypt. Churches associated with the Holy Family’s sojourn in Egypt, including Gabal al-Tayr and Dayr al-Muharraq, enrich the volume. Many modern churches housing contemporary Coptic art that have not been dealt with in other publications are featured here—especially the Cathedral of St. Mark and his shrine at Anba Ruweis in Cairo.

Churches of all other Christian denominations in Egypt are also described and beautifully illustrated here. A number of famous Greek Orthodox churches are included, as well as two Evangelical Coptic churches. Catholic, Armenian, and Anglican churches designed and decorated by European architects and painters in the nineteenth and the first half of the twentieth century are given their they represent little known treasures of Christian art and architecture. Introductory chapters on the history of Christianity in Egypt, the architecture of the Coptic Church, and Coptic wall paintings help readers to appreciate fully the great cultural, artistic, and architectural heritage of Egypt’s Christians.

Genres: History

Hardcover

First published November 7, 2007

Reviews

[Hossam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The effort of producing the book is fantastic. I did not want the book to end, and I will also return to it again to read it.

[Debbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stunning coffee table book with great historical background on the Church in Egypt.

[[Name Redacted] · Rating 5 out of 5]

My copy is signed by Prof. Gabra himself! He's a wonderful guy.