Overview

Built in 684 CE by a wealthy scribe called Athanasius, this church was originally dedicated to Abu Kir and Yohanna (or St. Cyrus and St. John). When the remains of St. Barbara, (a young maiden of Nicomedia beaten to death by her father for converting into Christianity) were brought here, a separate sanctuary was built. Thus there are now two separate churches here. The remains of St. Catherine, of the famous monastery of the same name, are also to be found here. Modest dress required.