The exhibition begins with an event of utmost importance in the Coptic history: The Flight of the Holy Family into Egypt. According to a biblical narration, the Virgin Mary, Jesus and Joseph the Carpenter travelled from Bethlehem to Egypt to take refuge from the persecutors of King Herod the Great. Copts feel immense pride to have been blessed by the Holy Family’s three years or more stay in Egypt during which they are said to have travelled some 2,000 kilometres. Important pilgrimage centres, churches, monasteries and convents were built on the sites visited by Jesus, the Virgin Mary and Joseph.
Icon representing the Flight of the Holy Family into Egypt. Ca. 19th century.
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