The Journey of the Holy Family in Egypt and its Representations in Coptic Art and Christian Heritage

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Tourism Guidance Department

Abstract

The details of the Holy Family’s journey into Egypt are stated in the second chapter of the Gospel of St. Matthew. He is the only evangelist who mentions this story. He presents it as fulfillment of the words spoken by God to the prophet Hosea: “Out of Egypt have I called my son.” According to the Christian tradition, the promise of Egypt’s redemption was fulfilled by the visit of the Holy Family. When “an angel of the God appeared to St. Joseph in a vision, saying Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and escape to Egypt,” Information about their journey comes from physical landmarks, such as trees, caves, and springs that have been touched by the passing of divinity. The journey of the Holy Family to Egypt is one of the minor feasts in the Coptic Church. Because of the importance of the theme, it is represented with a variety of materials in both the East and the West. They may be intended for either decorative purposes or religious use.

Keywords

Main Subjects