Coptic Church commemorates anniversary of Holy Family’s entry to Egypt

CAIRO – 22 May 2023: The Coptic Orthodox Church will celebrate the anniversary of the Holy Family’s entry into the land of Egypt on June 1st, which coincides with the anniversary of the Holy Family’s flight from Bethlehem in Palestine to Sinai, in Egypt.

The Holy Family came to Egypt to flee the oppression of King Herod, who persecuted Christianity, and wanted to kill Christ and his mother, the Virgin Mary, so she ran away carrying her child and took this holy and arduous journey full of pain and trouble until she arrived in Egypt, where they spent around three years.

The places they stayed in have now been transformed to churches and monasteries.

The official website of the Coptic Orthodox Church stated that the journey started from Palestine, to Egypt through the hills and deserts, and not through any of the three recognized roads at the time - because they were fleeing from King Herod, until they reached the borders of Egypt in their first stop.

The first paths of the Holy Family came in the city of Al-Farma, during which the Holy Family walked from Bethlehem to Gaza to the Zaranik Protectorate, 37 km west of Al-Arish.

Then they entered Egypt via the northern side of Al- Farma city, located between the cities of El-Arish and Port Said.