Our Faith
Origins and Foundation (1st Century A.D.)
- Founded by St. Mark the Evangelist in Alexandria, Egypt, around AD 42.
- One of the oldest Christian Churches in the world.
- St. Mark preached the Gospel, performed miracles, and was martyred in Alexandria.
Our Community Early Church and Theological Leadership (1st–5th Century)
- The Church became a spiritual and theological center, producing many saints and Church Fathers (e.g., St. Athanasius, St. Cyril of Alexandria).
- The Coptic Church played a leading role in Ecumenical Councils, especially in defending the divinity of Christ against heresies.
- The term "Orthodox" reflects its adherence to the true faith handed down from the Apostles.
Council of Chalcedon and the Great Schism (451 A.D.)
- The Coptic Church rejected the Council of Chalcedon, holding fast to the Miaphysite doctrine: that Christ is one united nature, both divine and human (without mixing, confusion, or separation).
- This led to a separation from the Chalcedonian (Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic) Churches.
- From this point, the Coptic Orthodox Church became distinct as part of the Oriental Orthodox communion.
Modern Revival and Global Growth (19th–21st Century)
- In the 20th century, under leaders like Pope Cyril VI and Pope Shenouda III, the Church experienced a spiritual, educational, and liturgical revival.
- The Coptic diaspora grew due to emigration, establishing churches across North America, Europe, Africa, and Australia.
- The current patriarch, Pope Tawadros II, continues to lead the Church in pastoral care and ecumenical dialogue.
Core Beliefs and Practices
- Sacramental Church: 7 sacraments including Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist, Confession, Matrimony, Unction of the Sick, and Priesthood.
- Miaphysite Christology: Belief in the one united nature of Christ—fully God and fully man.
- Apostolic Tradition: The Coptic Church emphasizes preserving the faith and rituals handed down from the Apostles without innovation.
- Liturgical Worship: Deeply symbolic, prayerful, and centred around the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil, St. Gregory, and St. Cyril.
- Saints and Martyrs: Highly venerated, with a calendar (Synaxarium) commemorating daily saints.
Spirituality and Purpose
- The Coptic Orthodox faith teaches that life’s purpose is to grow in holiness, unite with Christ through the Church, and live in communion with God in this life and the next.
- Suffering is seen as a path to salvation, following the example of Christ and the martyrs.