Our Faith

The Coptic Orthodox Church

The Coptic Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, founded by Saint Mark the Apostle in Alexandria, Egypt around 42 AD. The word “Coptic” is derived from the Greek word “Aegyptos,” meaning Egyptian. For nearly two thousand years, the Coptic Church has preserved the authentic Christian faith passed down from the Apostles.

As a member of the Oriental Orthodox family of churches, the Coptic Orthodox Church shares fellowship with the Armenian, Ethiopian, Eritrean, Syrian, and Indian Orthodox Churches. Together, these churches uphold the faith of the first three Ecumenical Councils — Nicaea (325 AD), Constantinople (381 AD), and Ephesus (431 AD).

The Coptic Church has a rich tradition of monasticism, having given the world its first Christian monks. Saint Anthony the Great, Saint Paul of Thebes, and Saint Pachomius established the monastic tradition that would later spread throughout the Christian world. Today, Coptic monasteries in Egypt continue to flourish as centers of prayer and spiritual life.

Our Beliefs

The Coptic Orthodox Church holds fast to the Nicene Creed, professing the Holy Trinity — one God in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe in the full divinity and full humanity of our Lord Jesus Christ, united in one nature without confusion, corruption, or change, as proclaimed by Saint Cyril the Great of Alexandria.

Central to our faith is the belief in the Bible as the inspired Word of God, the saving work of Christ through His incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection, and the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church.

The Seven Sacraments

The Coptic Orthodox Church celebrates seven holy sacraments, through which God’s grace is bestowed upon the faithful:

• Baptism — Immersion in water three times in the name of the Holy Trinity, granting new life in Christ
• Chrismation (Confirmation) — Anointing with the Holy Myron oil, sealing the gift of the Holy Spirit
• Eucharist (Holy Communion) — The Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, the center of our worship
• Repentance and Confession — Reconciliation with God through confession before a priest
• Anointing of the Sick — Prayers and holy oil for healing of body and soul
• Holy Matrimony — The sacred union of man and woman, crowned in the Church
• Priesthood — Ordination to the sacred ministry of Bishop, Priest, or Deacon