About Coptic Orthodox Past & Present (FAQ'S)

Jan 31, 2020

4 min read

Updated: Oct 27

What is Coptic Orthodox?

The term "Coptic" traditionally refers to the native Egyptians. The Coptic Orthodox Church is a major Christian denomination rooted in Egypt and represents a continuation of the ancient Christian faith.

Is Coptic Orthodox Christian?

Yes, the Coptic Orthodox Church is a branch of Christianity. It is one of the oldest Christian denominations and is considered the main Christian Church in Egypt, with a rich history dating back to the early days of Christianity.

How many Coptic Orthodox Christians are there in the world?

There are approximately 30 million Coptic Orthodox Christians worldwide. This global community maintains a strong presence in Egypt and has established churches and communities around the globe.

What Bible do Coptic Orthodox Christians use?

Coptic Orthodox Christians predominantly use the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible. This translation is preferred for its accuracy and fidelity to the original texts, aligning with the Church's liturgical and doctrinal traditions.

What calendar do Coptic Orthodox Christians use?

The Coptic Orthodox Church follows the Coptic calendar, also known as the Alexandrian Calendar. This ancient calendar is based on the ancient Egyptian calendar and remains central to the Church’s liturgical practices.

Do Coptic Orthodox Christians eat pork?

Coptic Orthodox Christians may choose to eat pork; however, dietary practices can vary among individuals. The choice to eat pork is generally not restricted by Church doctrine.

When do Coptic Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas?

Coptic Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7. This date reflects differences in the calendars used by the Coptic Church and the Gregorian calendar. The Coptic month leading up to Christmas is called Kiahk.

How do Coptic Orthodox Christians prepare for Christmas?

The preparation for Christmas involves a special fast lasting 43 days, from November 25 to January 6. During this period, Coptic Orthodox Christians follow a vegan diet and engage in spiritual practices to prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth.

What is Coptic Orthodox Christmas like?

On Coptic Christmas Eve, January 6, Coptic Orthodox Christians attend a special liturgy or church service that typically begins around 10 PM and concludes at midnight. After the service, families break their fast with a festive Christmas feast that includes dishes such as beef, chicken, and dairy products, which were avoided during the Advent fast. Christmas Day is celebrated with gatherings, parties, and festive activities.

When is Coptic Orthodox Easter?

Coptic Orthodox Easter, also known as Pascha, is celebrated on a date that varies each year based on the Coptic calendar. For 2020, Easter was celebrated on Sunday, April 19.

How long is a Coptic Orthodox wedding ceremony?

A traditional Coptic Orthodox wedding ceremony typically lasts about 45 minutes. The service is a deeply spiritual event that involves various rituals and prayers, reflecting the sanctity of marriage in the Coptic faith.

Are Coptic Orthodox and Catholic the same?

No, the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church are distinct. The Coptic Orthodox Church is in communion with the Pope of Alexandria, whereas the Roman Catholic Church is led by the Pope in Rome. Each tradition has its own theological, liturgical, and organizational structures.

How should one pray in the Coptic Orthodox tradition?

In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, prayer is approached with attention, humility, and patience. Believers are encouraged to pray with repentance, purity of heart, and complete faith and trust in God. Prayer is seen as a direct communication with God, deeply rooted in spiritual discipline.

What is a Coptic Orthodox archbishop?

A Coptic Orthodox archbishop is a senior bishop responsible for overseeing an archdiocese. This role involves spiritual leadership, pastoral care, and administrative duties within the archdiocese, ensuring that the Church’s mission and teachings are upheld.

Are Greek Orthodox and Coptic Orthodox the same?

The Greek Orthodox Church and the Coptic Orthodox Church are part of the larger Orthodox Christian tradition but are distinct entities. The Orthodox Church comprises various national and cultural expressions, including Greek and Coptic, each with its own traditions and practices.

What is Coptic Orthodox Catholic?

The Coptic Catholic Church is an Eastern Catholic church in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. While most Copts belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church, a smaller community, estimated at around 800,000, follows the Coptic Catholic tradition.

What is Egyptian Coptic Orthodox?

Egyptian Copts are the largest Christian community in the Middle East. The Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt traces its origins to St. Mark the Evangelist, who founded the Church in Alexandria around AD 49, during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius.

Who are the Coptic Orthodox?

The Copts are known for their significant contributions to Christian monasticism and have a rich history of faith and resilience. Throughout history, they have faced persecution from both the Byzantine Empire and later Islamic rulers, yet have remained steadfast in their traditions and beliefs.

How to convert to Coptic Orthodox Christianity?

Conversion to Coptic Orthodox Christianity typically involves baptism, which is performed by immersing the individual in water three times in the name of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The baptismal rite includes the anointing with three types of oil: Apocalypse oil, Ghaliloun, and Chrism. A red ribbon is placed around the newly baptized, and a special crown is placed on their head as part of the ceremony.

How to verify answers to common questions

Coptic Orthodox practice questions can concern formal teaching, pastoral guidance, or local custom. Use a reliable source for the kind of question you are asking.

For sacramental practice or church requirements, ask a Coptic Orthodox priest or the relevant diocese.
For historical claims, consult reputable histories and compare sources rather than relying on social media summaries.
For customs, ask whether the practice is universal, regional, or specific to a family or parish.
For numerical claims, check the source and publication date before repeating them.
When sources disagree, explain the uncertainty instead of presenting one answer as settled fact.