Our Faith
The Coptic Church
The Coptic Orthodox Church stands as one of the oldest Christian institutions globally, established by Saint Mark the Apostle. This conservative Church has meticulously upheld the Orthodox Christian Faith in its original and untainted form, passing it down through generations while remaining true to the Apostolic teachings and liturgical practices.
The Copts, who are the Christian population of Egypt, trace their heritage back to the ancient Egyptians, the Pharaohs. Their influence on the broader Christian world was significant, especially during the initial five centuries. The term ‘Copt’ originates from `gypt’, derived from the Greek word ‘Aigyptos’, meaning ‘Egyptian’.
Known as the Church of Alexandria, the Coptic Church is referred to as the “See of St. Mark,” one of the earliest ecclesiastical seats alongside Jerusalem, Antioch, and Rome. The Church is led by the Pope of Alexandria, currently Pope Shenouda III, the 117th successor of Saint Mark.
The faith of the Coptic Church is rooted in the teachings of Saint Mark the Evangelist, one of the seventy disciples and author of one of the four Gospels. He introduced Christianity to Egypt during Emperor Nero’s reign in the first century, shortly after the Ascension of Christ. While walking through Alexandria, Saint Mark’s sandals became worn. Ananias, a cobbler, repaired them, and while doing so, accidentally cut his finger. He exclaimed, “O the one God!” Saint Mark healed him and revealed the true nature of the “One God.” Ananias invited him home, where he and his family were baptized, transforming the residence into a gathering place for early Christians. Columbia, Canada on Sunday, April 14th, 2013.
In 62 AD, Saint Mark prepared to leave Egypt to visit new converts in the Pentapolis. Before departing, he ordained Ananias as bishop and established a church in the Crypt, where the Holy Family had once sought refuge. This act fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy: “In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the Lord at its border… Then the Lord will be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians will know the Lord in that day” (Isaiah 19:19,21).
Statement Of Faith
We believe in one God, God the Father, the Almighty, 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 incarnated of the Holy Spirit and of 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, and ascended into the heavens; and sat at the right hand of His Father, and also He is coming again in His glory to judge the living and the dead, whose kingdom has 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 in 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.
