Introduction
This guide is meant to briefly answer the frequently asked questions about the Coptic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Church at large, while also providing background for the Coptic Church’s practices that may cause some confusion to catechumens and converts. Since this guide is written from a Coptic Orthodox perspective it is important to clarify two points:
- The word “Coptic” in “Coptic Orthodox” describes the cultural and historical origins of the Coptic Orthodox Church. The word "Coptic" is derived from the Greek "Αἰγύπτιος" (Aigýptios) meaning "Egyptian." Coptic is the ancient language of Egypt and was the first language used in the Divine Liturgy in the first century. Coptic, as well as Greek, continues to be used in parts of our liturgies to this day. However, many churches have now adopted the vernacular language for almost all of the liturgy. The Coptic Church was established by St. Mark the Apostle in 43 AD, and today has expanded to become a universal church made up of people from many different cultures and backgrounds throughout the world.
- The Coptic Orthodox Church is among the Oriental Orthodox family of churches, and so most of the content in this guide applies specifically to Oriental Orthodoxy, rather than Eastern Orthodoxy. The differences between Eastern and Oriental Orthodoxy are beyond the scope of this guide. Therefore, whenever the term “Orthodoxy” is used, it refers to Oriental Orthodoxy.
What is Orthodoxy?
The Orthodox Church was established at the time of the Lord’s apostles. The early church had five major centers located in Jerusalem, Alexandria, Antioch, Constantinople and Rome. Each city was presided over by a bishop. The original church functioned as one with the bishops meeting frequently especially concerning issues of dogma. The Church at this time is often referred to as “pre-denominational” and it is here where the Orthodox Church has its roots. The Church of Alexandria is now referred to as the Coptic Orthodox Church.
The Coptic Orthodox Church was established by St. Mark the evangelist, the writer of the second gospel and one of the 72 disciples referred to in LXX. He established the Church in 52AD and is considered the first Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
Practicality of Orthodoxy
The Coptic Orthodox Church is part of the one, holy, catholic (universal), and apostolic church of God. A key characteristic of the Orthodox Church is to maintain the faith that was handed down to the apostles by Christ Himself. The Orthodox Church adheres to the Nicene Creed instituted at the Council of Nicea in 325 AD. At this council St. Athanasius, the twentieth patriarch of the Coptic Church, played a critical role in defending the Orthodox faith against heresy. St. Athanasius teaches that “Orthodoxy is what Christ taught, the apostles preached, and the fathers kept.”
The Orthodox Church therefore has four key characteristics:
- One – There is only one faith, teaching, and doctrine.
- “There is one body and one spirit, just as you were called on one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:4-5).
- Holy – The church is set apart and sanctified by God.
- “As Christ also loved the Church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the Word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be HOLY and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25-27).
- Catholic (universal) – The church is universal and belongs to all believers throughout the world.
- Apostolic – The church is built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets with Christ Himself as the true cornerstone.