The Coptic Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, founded in the first century by St. Mark the Evangelist, one of the Seventy Apostles and the author of the Gospel according to St. Mark. From its beginnings in Alexandria, Egypt, the Church has faithfully preserved the Orthodox Christian faith as it was handed down by Christ and His Apostles.

​

Rooted in Holy Scripture and Apostolic Tradition, the Coptic Orthodox Church maintains an unbroken continuity of belief, worship, and spiritual life spanning nearly two thousand years. The word “Coptic” is derived from the ancient Greek word for Egypt, reflecting the Church’s historical origins while also representing a universal Christian faith that today spans the globe.

​

Faith and Doctrine

The Coptic Orthodox Church holds firmly to the teachings of the Holy Bible, the faith defined by the first three Ecumenical Councils, and the writings of the early Church Fathers. The Church confesses belief in one God in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and proclaims Jesus Christ as true God and true Man, united without confusion, division, or change.

​

Faith is not merely intellectual but lived and experienced through prayer, worship, repentance, and love. The Church emphasizes a personal and communal relationship with God, calling every believer to a life of holiness, humility, and spiritual growth.

​

Worship and Sacramental Life

At the heart of Coptic Orthodox life is liturgical worship, particularly the Divine Liturgy, where heaven and earth meet in the offering of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. Through ancient rites, sacred hymns, and rich symbolism, the Church invites the faithful into a deep and transformative encounter with God.

​

The Church administers seven holy sacraments, including Baptism, Chrismation, Confession, Holy Communion, Marriage, Unction of the Sick, and Priesthood. These sacraments are channels of God’s grace, sustaining believers throughout every stage of life and drawing them continually closer to Christ.

​

Spiritual Life and Tradition

The Coptic Orthodox Church is deeply shaped by the desert monastic tradition, which originated in Egypt with saints such as St. Anthony the Great and St. Pachomius. This tradition emphasizes prayer, fasting, repentance, and inner stillness, forming the foundation of Orthodox Christian spirituality worldwide.

​

Fasting plays a central role in the life of the Church, helping believers grow in self-discipline, compassion, and dependence on God. Through fasting, prayer, and acts of charity, the faithful are reminded that spiritual growth is inseparable from love for others.

 

Community and Mission

The Coptic Orthodox Church is not only a place of worship but a living community united in Christ. Through its ministries, youth programs, service efforts, and pastoral care, the Church seeks to nurture faith, strengthen families, and serve the wider community with love and humility.

​

While rooted in ancient tradition, the Church remains actively engaged in the modern world, carrying out its mission to proclaim the Gospel, preserve the faith, and bear witness to Christ through service, compassion, and truth.

​

A Living Faith

The Coptic Orthodox Church stands as a living testimony to the enduring faith of Christianity—ancient yet ever new. Grounded in history and guided by the Holy Spirit, the Church continues to invite all people into a life of worship, fellowship, and communion with God.