The Coptic Orthodox Church

The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. St. Mark the Apostle preached Christianity to Egypt in the first century and became the first Pope of Alexandria. Part of the family of Oriental Orthodox Churches, the Coptic church highlights the importance of partaking in the holy sacraments, protecting the divine mysteries, following the canons of the Holy Scriptures, holding strong to the apostolic and Orthodox Creed teachings, and preserving the work of the early church fathers and mothers.  

Coptic Orthodox christianity originates from ,the land visited by Our Lord Jesus Christ, Egypt.The word ‘Copt’ is derived from the Pharaonic word ‘gypt’ and the subsequent Greek word ‘Aigyptus’ meaning ‘Egypt’. Saint Mark travelled to Egypt on two separate mission trips. The first trip he meet Ananias, who believed in the true faith preached by St. Mark and was baptized along with his household. After the conversion of this household many people believed and confessed the faith.

The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria is the largest Christian population in the Middle East, with an estimated 8-15 million adherents, as well as an estimated 1 million in diaspora. There are over 150 Coptic Orthodox Churches in North America.

 

Source: http://www.copticcentre.com/the-coptic-orthodox-church/