The Coptic Church : Introduction To The Region

The Coptic Church “Copt” derives from the Greek word for Egyptian, Aiguptious, shortened in Egyptian pronunciation to qibt, the Arabic word for Copt. Usually, a tattoo of either a domed cathedral or a tiny cross on one’s wrist indicates this religious affiliation. Of 58 million Egyptians, 4-5 million are Copts, of whom a majority live in Cairo. Today, portions of the liturgy are still conducted in Coptic, though most of the service is in Arabic The Copts recognize a separate pope from John Paul tl-their spiritual authority resides in Cairo and serves both Copts and Greek Orthodox followers.

According to Coptic tradition, St. Mark introduced Christianity to Egypt in 62 AD. Although mass conversions transformed Alexandria into a Christian spiritual center, Roman persecutions increased accordingly. A bloody height was reached under Diocletian, who murdered so many Christians that the Copts date their Martyr’s Calendar from 284 AD, the beginning of his reign.