The Coptic Church is one of the main religious attractions of Hurghada, a historical and architectural monument. It is located in the Old City of Hurghada, and it is impossible not to notice the temple - its architecture is both simple and impressive with its grandeur, attracting attention by a bizarre combination of the traditions of Christian architecture and Islamic elements. Today, the Coptic Church is the operating temple of the Orthodox Egyptians - the Copts.
The history of the church dates back to the 20th century, when the oil business was developed in Egypt. The oil fields and factories were run and operated mainly by the British, and there were many of them. Therefore, in 1922 they built a Christian church for themselves, in order to regularly join religion - as well as in their native England. After a while, the oil wells were exhausted, and the British left Hurghada, leaving the church to the local Coptic Christians.
The Coptic Church is surrounded by a wall around the perimeter, which, however, does not conceal a beautiful light building and a dome with a cross. In one part of the wall there are large wooden doors-gates, through which you can go to the temple. The building of the church is of rectangular shape, it is made in the traditions of the classical Catholic churches of Europe, but during the "stay" in it the Egyptians were covered with many extensions and fanciful decorations.
Inside the church, the beautiful iconostasis - the main value and pride of the temple - immediately attracts attention. There are three rows of Christian icons, many of which, despite the fact that the Orthodox Church, were brought to Egypt from Catholic European churches. The saints are shown full-length, their faces and even a script from the Bible are presented here
In other respects the interior of the church is quite democratic - there are rows of benches so that the parishioners can sit during the service, and in hot days hot air fan fans . On the walls and near the iconostasis there are large screens and projectors . Yes, and the requirements of the temple guests are not too strict - even women do not need to wear headscarves and skirts . Interesting feature: this church resolved t Orthodox Christian Hurghada not wear a cross around the neck, and instead have a tattoo in the form of a cross on the wrist .
Practical information
Access to the church is allowed at any time - both on weekdays and on solemn services on Christian holidays (the entrance is free). It is best to go here with a guide who will tell you about the history of the temple and tell interesting facts.
There is a Coptic church at the intersection of El Souk st. and Soliman Mazhar st. in the Old City of El-Dahar.