COPTIC ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY
WHAT IS THE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH?
The Coptic Church was established in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ by St. Mark the Evangelist in the city of Alexandria around 43 A.D. The church adheres to the Nicene Creed. St. Athanasius (296-373 A.D.), the twentieth Pope of the Coptic Church effectively defended the Doctrine of the Lord Jesus Christ’s Divinity at the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D. His affirmation of the doctrine earned him the title; “Father of Orthodoxy” and St. Athanasius “the Apostolic”.
The Coptic Orthodox Church believes that the Holy Trinity: God The Father, God The Son, and God The Holy Spirit, are equal to each other in one unity; and that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only Savior of the world. Less changes have taken place in the Coptic Church than in any other church whether in the ritual or doctrine aspects and that the succession of the Coptic Patriarchs, Bishops, Priests and Deacons has been continuous.
Icon of the Bosom of the Father
No one has ever seen God. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him. John 1:18
COPTIC
The term “Copt” comes from the Greek word for “Egyptian”. When the Arabs arrived in Egypt in the seventh century, they called the Egyptians “qibt”. Thus the Arabic word “qibt” came to mean both “Egyptians” and “Christians”.
ORTHODOX
The term “Orthodoxy” here refers to the preservation of the “Original Faith” by the Copts who, throughout the ages, defended the Old Creed against the numerous attacks aimed at it.
CHURCH
The One, Only, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church is the Body of Christ existing in the world. He is the sole Head and His people constitute His Body in the Church. Orthodox Christians believe that the Church is undivided, holy, catholic (universal), and sanctified for the work of preaching the Holy Gospel throughout the world and baptizing the nations.
What We Believe
Icon of the Good Shepherd
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11
- We strive to show, embody, and serve as vessels of the true love of Jesus Christ by welcoming all into His Church.
- We believe that everyone is loved, worthy, and at home as an active member of the Body of Christ.
We commit ourselves as servants, reflecting the light and love of Christ in one another. - We proclaim, as a missionary church, the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Orthodox Christian faith to non-Christians, seekers, churchgoers, and all we encounter.
- We model the Body of Christ by embracing the diverse gifts given by God’s grace, working together to complement and complete one another as His Holy Church.
- We seek to build a Christian community - both in person and online - grounded in love, encouraging faith, and fostering the spiritual growth of every member.