The building of Saint Mary's church

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

The first church named after the Holy Virgin Mary was in the city of Philippi.

The First Church of Saint Mary

The first church to be built and named after the Virgin Mary was in the city of Philippi. This occurred during the preaching of the Apostles. After the Holy Spirit descended upon them, the Apostles went out to preach the Gospel to all nations. In Philippi, through their preaching, many believed. It was there that a church was dedicated to the Mother of God, establishing the tradition of honoring her as the highest of all saints.

This event is specifically commemorated in our Church on Baouna 21 (June 28), which is the feast of the "First Church to be named after the Virgin Mary."

The Monastery of El-Muharraq (Gebel Qusqam)

In the land of Egypt, the most significant "building" associated with the Virgin Mary is the Monastery of the Holy Virgin Mary (Deir El-Muharraq) in Assiut.

• The Foundation: This location is where the Holy Family stayed for over six months during their flight to Egypt.
• The Altar: The altar in the ancient church at Deir El-Muharraq is unique because, according to tradition, our Lord Jesus Christ Himself consecrated it with His own hands during His time there as a child.
• Prophecy: This fulfills the prophecy in Isaiah 19:19: "In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt."

Architectural and Historical Context

Coptic churches dedicated to St. Mary are characterized by distinct architectural features meant to provide strength and stability:

• Roofs and Domes: The roof of a church often consists of a "multitude of little roofs" and brick domes at many different levels. This gives the exterior a "chaotic, haphazard look" from the outside, but inside, it creates a heavenly atmosphere.
• The Sanctuary (Haikal): In many of our historical churches, such as the chapel of Mari Girgis on the roof of the main building of the great desert monasteries, the iconostases are magnificent works of wood and ivory, often "blazoned with stars and crosses."
• Recent Expansions: Because of the deep love Coptic people have for the Virgin Mary, many modern churches have been built to accommodate pilgrims. For example, a new Church of the Holy Virgin was dedicated in 1964 in the outer court of certain monasteries specifically for the thousands of pilgrims who attend the annual Mulid (feast) in her honor.

Theological Significance

Unlike Protestant denominations, which emerged much later and often fail to give the Virgin Mary her proper honor, the Coptic Orthodox Church has built and consecrated churches in her name since the Apostolic age. We recognize her not just as a woman of faith, but as the Theotokos—the Mother of God—the one who became a "tabernacle" for the Uncontainable God. Therefore, every church building dedicated to her name serves as a reminder of the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ.