History

The Coptic Orthodox Church was established in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ by St. Mark the Evangelist in the city of Alexandria around 61 A.D. The church adheres to the Nicene Creed. The term “Coptic” is derived from the Greek word “Aigyptos” meaning “Egyptian”.

When the Arabs arrived in Egypt in the 7th century, they called the Egyptians “qibt” (Copt) which meant both “Egyptians” and “Christians”. The term “Orthodoxy” refers to the preservation of the “Original Faith” by the Copts who defended their faith against incalculable attacks both physical and spiritual.

The Coptic Orthodox Church believes that the Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are equal to each other in one unity; and that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only Savior of the world. Less changes have taken place in the Coptic Church than in any other church whether in ritual or doctrine.