The Coptic Orthodox Church is one of the oldest churches in the world.
It was founded by St. Mark the evangelist and author of the second gospel in Alexandria and Egypt in the mid-first century.
What does “Coptic” mean?
The term “Copt” means Egyptian. Copts are the native Christians of Egypt and the direct descendants of the ancient Egyptians who were converted to Christianity by St. Mark.
Why should I come to the Coptic Orthodox Church (or any Church, for that matter)?
Christ never intended that any of His followers should be on his or her own, but that they should exist and worship in communion, community and fellowship with one another, forming one body, hence the church.
Today, in an age where new and strange teachings pop-up everyday claiming to be the truth, it is reassuring to find a church that has remained true to the faith and spirituality which was established by Christ and handed down to the apostles and church fathers.
What are Orthodox services like?
Although a 2.5 hour Liturgy may seem long, believe it or not, this is actually the short version! Each prayer is intentional and critical to the service, and helps to remember that the core of our life as a church family is the Holy Eucharist (Communion) and each prayer is prayed in preparation for receiving the Holy Body and Blood of Christ.
So what do we believe?
First and foremost, the church believes that the Bible is the inspired word of God, to be followed according to the interpretation of the early church fathers.
Our Creed
We believe in one God, God the Father the Pantocrator who created heaven and earth, and all things seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-Begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages; Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not created, of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made; Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy spirit and the Virgin Mary and became Man. And He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, suffered and was buried. And on the third day He rose from the dead, according to the scriptures, ascended to the heavens; He sits at the right hand of his Father, and He is coming again in His glory to judge the living and the dead, Whose kingdom shall have no end.
Yes, we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Life-Giver, Who proceeds from the Father, Who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets.
And in one holy, catholic and apostolic church. We confess one baptism for the remission of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the coming age. Amen.