Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria 7601 226080700 2008-07-16T19:10:33Z Troy 07 4840301 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/58.104.39.26|58.104.39.26]] ([[User talk:58.104.39.26|talk]]) to last version by Troy 07 {|style="float: right;" |- {http://www.copticindex.com} |{{Infobox Orthodox Church| | show_name = Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and of All Africa | image = [[Image:CopticCross.jpg]] | caption = Coptic Orthodox Cross<br> ''Reads: Jesus Christ, the Son of God'' | founder = [[Mark the Evangelist|The Apostle and Evangelist Mark]] | independence = [[Apostolic|Apostolic Era]] | recognition = [[Orthodox]] | primate=[[Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria|H.H. Pope and Patriarch Shenouda III]] | headquarters=[[Alexandria]] and [[Cairo]] in [[Egypt]] | territory= [[Egypt]], [[Nubia]], [[Sudan]], [[Pentapolis (North Africa)|Western Pentapolis]], [[Libya]] and [[Africa|All Africa]] | possessions= [[Middle East]], [[United States]], [[Canada]], [[Great Britain]], [[Western Europe]], [[South America]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], [[Oceania]], [[Southeast Asia]] and the [[Caribbean Region|Caribbean Islands]] | language=[[Coptic language|Coptic]], [[Greek language|Greek]], [[Arabic language|Arabic]], [[Egyptian Arabic]], [[English language|English]], [[French language|French]], [[German language|German]], [[Swahili language|Swahili]], [[Afrikaans language|Afrikaans]], and several other African languages | population= ~15.4 million total (~11,000,000 in [[Egypt]] + 350,000 - 400,000 in East, Central and South Africa (Native Africans) + ~4,000,000 Abroad (Diaspora) | website= [http://www.CopticPope.org Official Website of HH Pope Shenouda III] [http://www.copticchurch.net Coptic Orthodox Church Network] }} |- {|style="float: right; width:130px;border: #FFFFFF solid 1px" |- |[[Image:ChristCopticArt.jpg|frame|[[Jesus Christ]] in a [[Coptic art|Coptic icon]]]] |- |{{Eastern Christianity}} |- |{{Copts}} |} {{portalpar|Oriental Orthodoxy|ChristCopticArt.jpg}} The '''Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria''' ([[Coptic language|Coptic]]: '''{{Coptic|Ϯⲉⲕ'ⲕⲗⲏⲥⲓⲁ 'ⲛⲣⲉⲙ'ⲛⲭⲏⲙⲓ 'ⲛⲟⲣⲑⲟⲇⲟⲝⲟⲥ}}''' ''ti.eklyseya en.remenkimi en.orthodoxos ente alexandrias'', literally: ''the Egyptian Orthodox Church of Alexandria'') is the official name for the largest [[Christianity|Christian]] church in [[Egypt]]. The Church belongs to the [[Oriental Orthodoxy|Oriental Orthodox]] family of churches, which has been a distinct church body since the [[Council of Chalcedon]] in AD [[451]], when it took a different position over [[Christ]]ological theology from that of the [[Eastern Orthodox]] and [[Roman Catholic|Western]] churches, then still in union. The precise differences in theology that caused the split are still disputed, highly technical and mainly concerned with the Nature of [[Christ]]. The foundational roots of the Church are based in Egypt but it has a worldwide following. According to tradition the Coptic Orthodox Church is the Church of [[Alexandria]] which was established by [[St. Mark the Evangelist|Saint Mark]] the apostle and evangelist in the middle of the [[1st century]] (approximately AD [[42]]). The head of the church and the [[Episcopal See|See]] of [[Alexandria]] is the [[Coptic Pope|Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the Holy See of Saint Mark]], currently His Holiness [[Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria|Pope Shenouda III]]. More than 95% of [[Egypt]]'s [[Christians]] belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, though other churches also claim [[Patriarchate]]s and [[Patriarch of Alexandria|Patriarchs of Alexandria]]; among them: * The [[Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria]] * The [[Coptic Catholic Church|Coptic Catholic Church of Alexandria]] * The [[Melkite Greek Catholic Church|Greek Melkite Catholic Patriarchate of Antioch, Alexandria and Jerusalem]] ==History of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria== ===Apostolic foundation=== [[Egypt]] is identified in the [[Bible]] as the place of refuge that the [[Holy Family]] sought in its flight<ref>[http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/The_Holy_Family_in_Egypt Holy Family in Egypt]</ref> from [[Judea]]: "When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of [[Herod the Great]], that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, ''Out of Egypt I called My Son''" ([[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]] 2:12-23). The Egyptian Church, which is now more than nineteen centuries old, regards itself as the subject of many prophecies in the [[Old Testament]]. [[Isaiah]] the prophet, in Chapter 19, Verse 19 says "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." The first [[Christian]]s in Egypt were mainly [[Alexandria]]n [[Jew]]s such as [[Theophilus (Biblical)|Theophilus]],{{Fact|date=May 2008}} whom [[Luke the Evangelist|Saint Luke the Evangelist]] addresses in the introductory chapter of his [[Gospel of Luke|gospel]]. When the church was founded by [[Saint Mark]]{{Fact|date=May 2008}} during the reign of the [[Roman Empire|Roman]] [[emperor]] [[Nero]], a great multitude of native [[Egyptians]] (as opposed to [[Greeks]] or [[Jew]]s) embraced the Christian faith.{{Fact|date=May 2008}} [[Christianity]] spread throughout Egypt within half a century of Saint Mark's arrival in Alexandria as is clear from the [[New Testament]] writings found in [[Oxyrhynchus|Bahnasa]], in Middle Egypt, which date around the year AD 200, and a fragment of the [[Gospel of John]], written in [[Coptic language|Coptic]], which was found in [[Upper Egypt]] and can be dated to the first half of the second century. In the [[2nd century|second century]], [[Christianity]] began to spread to the rural areas, and scriptures were translated into the local language, namely [[Coptic Language|Coptic]]. ===Contributions to Christianity=== ====The Catechetical School of Alexandria==== [[The Catechetical School of Alexandria]] is the oldest catechetical school in the world. St. Jerome records that the Christian School of Alexandria was founded by [[Mark the Evangelist|St. Mark]] himself.<ref>[http://www.copticchurch.net/topics/patrology/schoolofalex/I-Intro/chapter1.html Coptic Church .net]</ref> Around AD 190 under the leadership of the scholar [[Pantanaeus]], the school of Alexandria became an important institution of religious learning, where students were taught by scholars such as [[Athenagoras of Athens|Athenagoras]], [[Clement of Alexandria|Clement]], [[Didymus the Blind|Didymus]], and the native Egyptian [[Origen]], who was considered the father of theology and who was also active in the field of commentary and comparative Biblical studies. Origen wrote over 6,000 commentaries of the [[Bible]] in addition to his famous [[Hexapla]]. Many scholars such as [[Jerome]] visited the school of Alexandria to exchange ideas and to communicate directly with its scholars. The scope of this school was not limited to theological subjects; science, mathematics and humanities were also taught there. The question-and-answer method of commentary began there, and 15 centuries before [[Braille]], wood-carving techniques were in use there by blind scholars to read and write. The Theological college of the catechetical school of Alexandria was re-established in 1893. The new school currently has campuses in Alexandria, [[Cairo]], [[New Jersey]], and [[Los Angeles]], where [[Copt]]ic priests-to-be and other qualified men and women are taught among other subjects Christian theology, history, [[Coptic language]] and art - including chanting, music, [[iconography]], and tapestry. ====The Cradle of Monasticism and its missionary work==== {{main|Coptic monasticism}} Many Egyptian Christians went to the desert during the 3rd century, and remained there to pray and work and dedicate their lives to seclusion and worship of God. This was the beginning of the [[Monasticism|monastic movement]], which was organized by [[Saint Anthony the Great|Anthony the Great]], Saint Paul, the world's first [[anchorite]], [[Macarius of Alexandria|Saint Macarius the Great]] and [[Pachomius|Saint Pachomius the Cenobite]] in the [[4th century]]. Christian [[Monasticism]] was born in Egypt and was instrumental in the formation of the Coptic Orthodox Church character of submission, simplicity and humility, thanks to the teachings and writings of the Great Fathers of Egypt's Deserts. By the end of the fifth century, there were hundreds of monasteries, and thousands of cells and caves scattered throughout the Egyptian desert. A great number of these monasteries are still flourishing and have new vocations to this day. All Christian monasticism stems, either directly or indirectly, from the Egyptian example: [[Saint Basil|Saint Basil the Great]] Archbishop of Ceasaria of Cappadocia, founder and organizer of the monastic movement in Asia Minor, visited Egypt around AD 357 and his rule is followed by the Eastern Orthodox Churches; [[Saint Jerome]] who translated the Bible into Latin, came to Egypt, while en route to [[Jerusalem]], around AD 400 and left details of his experiences in his letters; [[Benedict of Nursia|Benedict]] founded the Benedictine Order in the sixth century on the model of Saint Pachomius, but in a stricter form. Countless pilgrims have visited the "Desert Fathers" to emulate their spiritual, disciplined lives. ===Role and participation in the Ecumenical Councils=== ====Council of Nicea==== In the 4th century, an Alexandrian [[presbyter]] named [[Arius]] began a theological dispute about the nature of Christ that spread throughout the Christian world and is now known as [[Arianism]] (not to be confused with the racist Nazi ideology [[Aryanism]]). The [[Ecumenical Council of Nicea]] AD 325 was convened by [[Constantine I (emperor)|Constantine]] under the presidency of Saint [[Hosius of Cordova]] and Saint [[Alexander of Alexandria]] to resolve the dispute and eventually led to the formulation of the Symbol of Faith, also known as the [[Nicene Creed]]. The Creed, which is now recited throughout the Christian world, was based largely on the teaching put forth by a man who eventually would become Saint [[Athanasius of Alexandria]], the chief opponent of Arius. ====Council of Constantinople==== In the year AD 381, Saint [[Timothy I of Alexandria]] presided over the second ecumenical council known as the Ecumenical [[First Council of Constantinople|Council of Constantinople]], which completed the [[Nicene Creed]] with this confirmation of the divinity of the [[Holy Spirit]]: :"We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified who spoke by the Prophets and in One, Holy, Universal, and Apostolic church. We confess one Baptism for the remission of sins and we look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the coming age, Amen." ====Council of Ephesus==== [[Image:CopticAltar.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Coptic Icon in the Coptic Altar of the [[Church of the Holy Sepulchre]], Jerusalem]] Another theological dispute in the [[5th century]] occurred over the teachings of [[Nestorius]], the Patriarch of Constantinople who taught that God the Word was not [[hypostatically]] joined with human nature, but rather dwelt in the man Jesus. As a consequence of this, he denied the title "Mother of God" ''([[Theotokos]])'' to the [[Mary, the mother of Jesus|Virgin Mary]], declaring her instead to be "Mother of Christ" ''[[Christotokos]]''. When reports of this reached the Apostolic Throne of [[Mark the Evangelist|Saint Mark]], Pope Saint [[Cyril of Alexandria|Cyril I of Alexandria]] acted quickly to correct this breach with orthodoxy, requesting that Nestorius repent. When he would not, the Synod of Alexandria met in an emergency session and a unanimous agreement was reached. Pope [[Cyril of Alexandria|Cyril I of Alexandria]], supported by the entire See, sent a letter to Nestorius known as "The Third Epistle of Saint Cyril to [[Nestorius]]." This epistle drew heavily on the established Patristic Constitutions and contained the most famous article of Alexandrian Orthodoxy: "The Twelve Anathemas of Saint Cyril." In these [[anathema]]s, Cyril excommunicated anyone who followed the teachings of Nestorius. For example, "Anyone who dares to deny the [[Mary, the mother of Jesus|Holy Virgin]] the title ''[[Theotokos]]'' is Anathema!" Nestorius however, still would not repent and so this led to the convening of the [[First Ecumenical Council of Ephesus]] ([[431]]), over which [[Cyril of Alexandria|Cyril I of Alexandria]] presided. The [[First Ecumenical Council of Ephesus]] confirmed the teachings of [[Athanasius of Alexandria|Saint Athanasius]] and confirmed the title of Mary as "[[Mother of God]]". It also clearly stated that anyone who separated [[Christ]] into two hypostases was anathema, as Athanasius had said that there is "One Nature and One Hypostasis for God the Word Incarnate" (Mia Physis tou Theou Loghou Sesarkomeni). Also, the introduction to the creed was formulated as follows: :"We magnify you O Mother of the True Light and we glorify you O saint and Mother of God ''(Theotokos)'' for you have borne unto us the Saviour of the world. Glory to you O our Master and King: Christ, the pride of the Apostles, the crown of the martyrs, the rejoicing of the righteous, firmness of the churches and the forgiveness of sins. We proclaim the Holy Trinity in One Godhead: we worship Him, we glorify Him, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord bless us, Amen." ====Council of Chalcedon==== [[Image:StMarkCathAlex.jpg|thumb|left|St. Mark Coptic Cathedral in Alexandria]] When in AD [[451]], Emperor [[Marcianus]] attempted to heal divisions in the Church, the response of [[Dioscorus of Alexandria|Pope Dioscorus]] – the Pope of Alexandria who was later exiled – was that the emperor should not intervene in the affairs of the Church. It was at [[Chalcedon]] that the emperor, through the Imperial delegates, enforced harsh disciplinary measures against Pope Dioscorus in response to his boldness. The [[Council of Chalcedon]] , from the perspective of the Alexandrine Christology, has deviated from the approved Cyrillian terminology and declared that Christ was one hypostasis in two natures. However, in the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, "Christ was conceived of the Holy Spirit and of the Virgin Mary," thus the foundation of the definition according to the Non-Chalcedonian adherents, according to the Christology of [[Cyril of Alexandria]] is valid. In terms of Christology, the Oriental Orthodox (Non-Chalcedonians) understanding is that Christ is "One Nature--the Logos Incarnate," ''of'' the full humanity and full divinity. The Chalcedonians understanding is that Christ is ''in'' two natures, full humanity and full divinity. Just as humans are of their mothers and fathers and not in their mothers and fathers, so too is the nature of Christ according to [[Oriental Orthodoxy]]. If Christ is in full humanity and in full divinity, then He is separate in two persons as the [[Nestorianism|Nestorians]] teach.<ref>[http://www.geocities.com/mfignatius/others/byzantine01.html Split of the Byzantine and Oriental Churches.]</ref> This is the doctrinal perception that makes the apparent difference which separated the Oriental Orthodox from the Eastern Orthodox. The Council's findings were rejected by many of the Christians on the fringes of the [[Byzantine Empire]], including [[Egyptians]], [[Syriac Orthodox Church|Syrians]], [[Armenian Apostolic Church|Armenians]], and others. From that point onward, Alexandria would have two patriarchs: the non-Chalcedonian native Egyptian one, now known as the [[List of Coptic Popes|Coptic Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the Holy Apostolic See of St. Mark]] and the "[[Melkite]]" or Imperial Patriarch, now known as the Greek Orthodox Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa.<ref>[http://www.greekorthodox-alexandria.org/ Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria].</ref> Almost the entire Egyptian population rejected the terms of the Council of Chalcedon and remained faithful to the native Egyptian Church (now known as the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria). Those who supported the Chalcedonian definition remained in [[Full communion|communion]] with the other leading churches of [[History of the Roman Catholic Church|Rome]] and [[Patriarch of Constantinople|Constantinople]]. The non-Chalcedonian party became what is today called the [[Oriental Orthodoxy|Oriental Orthodox Church]]. The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria regards itself as having been misunderstood at the Council of Chalcedon. There was an opinion in the Church that viewed that perhaps the Council understood the Church of Alexandria correctly, but wanted to curtail the existing power of the Alexandrine Hierarch, especially after the events that happened several years before at Constantinople from Pope [[Theophilus of Alexandria]] towards Patriarch [[John Chrysostom]] and the unfortunate turnouts of the Second Council of Ephesus in AD 449, where Eutichus misled Pope Dioscoros and the Council in confessing the Orthodox Faith in writing and then renouncing it after the Council, which in turn, had upset Rome, especially that the Tome which was sent was not read during the Council sessions. To make thing even worse, the Tome of Pope Leo of Rome was, according to the Alexandria School of Theology, particularly in regards to the definition of Christology, considered influenced by Nestorian heretical teachings. So, due to the above mentioned, especially in the consecutive sequences of events, the Hierarchs of Alexandria were considered holding too much of power from one hand, and on the other hand, due to the conflict of the Schools of Theology, an inpass was to be and there was a scape goat, i.e. Pope Disocoros. It is also to be noted that by anathemizing Pope Leo, because of the tone and content of his Tome, as per Alexandrine Theology perception, Pope Discoros was found guilty of doing so, without due process, in other words, the Tome of Leo was not a subject of heresy in the first place, but it was a question of questioning the reasons behind not having it either acknowledged or read at the [[Second Council of Ephesus]] in AD 449. It is important to note that Pope Dioscorus of Alexandria was never labeled as heretic by the council's canons. Copts also believe that the Pope of Alexandria was forcibly prevented from attending the third congregation of the council from which he was ousted, apparently the result of a conspiracy tailored by the Roman delegates.<ref>Romanides, John S. [http://www.romanity.org/htm/rom.06.en.orthodox_and_oriental_orthodox_consultation.htm Leo of Rome's Support of Theodoret].</ref> Before the current positive era of Eastern and Oriental Orthodox dialogues, Chalcedonians sometimes used to call the non-Chalcedonians "[[Monophysitism|monophysites]]", though the Coptic Orthodox Church in reality regards monophysitism as a heresy. The Chalcedonian doctrine in turn came to be known as "[[Dyophysitism|dyophysite]]". A term that comes closer to Coptic Orthodoxy is [[Miaphysitism|miaphysite]], which refers to a conjoined nature for Christ, both human and divine, united indivisibly in the Incarnate Logos. The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria believes that Christ is perfect in His divinity, and He is perfect in His humanity, but His divinity and His humanity were united in one nature called "the nature of the incarnate word", which was reiterated by [[Cyril of Alexandria|Saint Cyril of Alexandria]]. Copts, thus, believe in two natures "human" and "divine" that are united in one hypostasis "without mingling, without confusion, and without alteration". These two natures "did not separate for a moment or the twinkling of an eye" (Coptic Liturgy of Saint Basil of Caesarea). ===From Chalcedon to the Arab conquest of Egypt=== Copts suffered under the rule of the [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] [[Eastern Roman Empire]]. The [[Melkite]] Patriarchs, appointed by the emperors as both spiritual leaders and civil governors, massacred the Egyptian population whom they considered heretics. Many [[Egyptians]] were tortured and martyred to accept the terms of Chalcedon, but Egyptians remained loyal to the faith of their fathers and to the Cyrillian view of [[Christology]]. One of the most renowned Egyptian saints of that period is [[Saint Samuel the Confessor]]. ===The Muslim conquest of Egypt=== The [[Muslim conquest of Egypt]] took place in AD [[639]]. Despite the political upheaval, Egypt remained a mainly Christian land. However, the gradual conversions to [[Islam]] over the centuries changed Egypt from a Christian to a largely [[Muslim]] country by the end of the [[12th century]].<ref>Kamil, Jill (1997). ''Coptic Egypt: History and Guide''. Cairo: American University in Cairo.</ref> This process was sped along by persecutions during and following the reign of the [[Fatimid]] caliph [[Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah]] (reigned AD 996–1021) and the [[Crusades]], and also by the acceptance of [[Arabic language|Arabic]] as a liturgical language by the [[Coptic Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria|Pope of Alexandria]] [[Pope Gabriel II of Alexandria|Gabriel ibn-Turaik]].<ref>Kamil, op cit.</ref> During Islamic rule, the Copts needed to pay a special tax called the [[jizya]] in order to be defended by Muslim armies, as non-Muslims were not allowed to serve in the army. This tax was abolished in 1855. ===From the 19th century to the 1952 revolution=== The position of the Copts began to improve early in the 19th century under the stability and tolerance of [[Muhammad Ali of Egypt|Muhammad Ali]]'s dynasty. The Coptic community ceased to be regarded by the state as an administrative unit and, by [[1855]], the main mark of Copts' inferiority, the ''[[Jizya]]'' tax, was lifted. Shortly thereafter, Christians started to serve in the Egyptian army. The [[Egyptian Revolution of 1919|1919 revolution]] in Egypt, the first grassroots display of Egyptian identity in centuries, stands as a witness to the homogeneity of Egypt's modern society with both its Muslim and Christian components. ===Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church=== In 1959, the [[Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church]] was granted its own Patriarch by [[Coptic Orthodox Pope]] of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa [[Pope Cyril VI of Alexandria|Cyril VI]]. ==The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria today== [[Image:Monastry3.jpg|thumb|250px|left|A modern Coptic monastery.]] The current Coptic Orthodox [[Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria|Pope of Alexandria and the Patriarch of All Africa on the Holy See of Saint Mark]] is [[Pope Shenouda III]]. There are about 15 million Coptic Orthodox Christians in the world: they are found primarily in [[Egypt]] under the jurisdiction of the [[Coptic Orthodox Church|Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria]] (roughly 11 million). There are also significant numbers in the diaspora in countries such as [[the United States of America]], [[Canada]], [[Australia]], [[France]], [[Germany]], and [[Sudan]]. The number of Coptic Orthodox Christians in the diaspora is roughly 4 million. In addition, there are between 350,000 and 400,000 native African adherents in East, Central and South Africa. Although under the jurisdiction of the Coptic Orthodox Church, these adherents are not considered [[Copts]], since they are not ethnic [[Egyptians]]. Some accounts regard members of the [[Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church]] (roughly 45 million),<ref>[http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-55.html WCC official visit to Ethiopia] World Council of Churches - News Release. [[21 September]] [[2005]]. Retrieved [[25 November]] [[2006]]. </ref> the [[Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church]] (roughly 2.5 million), as members of the Coptic Orthodox Church. This is however a misnomer, since both the Ethiopian and the Eritrean Churches, although daughter churches of the Church of Alexandria, are currently autocephalous churches. In [[1959]], the [[Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church]] was granted its first own Patriarch by [[Pope Cyril VI of Alexandria]]. Furthermore, the [[Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church]] similarly became independent of the Ethiopian Tewahedo Church in [[1994]], when four bishops were consecrated by [[Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria]] to form the basis of a local Holy Synod of the Eritrean Church. In [[1998]], the Eritrean Church gained its autocephelacy from the Coptic Orthodox Church when its first Patriarch was enthroned by [[Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria]]. These three churches remain in [[full communion]] with each other and with the other [[Oriental Orthodox]] churches. The [[Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church]] and the [[Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church]] do acknowledge the Honorary Supremacy of the [[Coptic Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria]], since the [[Church of Alexandria]] is technically their Mother Church. Upon their selection, both Patriarchs (Ethiopian & Eritrean) must receive the approval and communion from the Holy Synod of the [[Church of Alexandria|Apostolic See of Alexandria]] before their enthronement. In addition to the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria whose adherents make up between 92 and 93 % of [[Egypt]]'s total [[Christian]] population of 11.8 to 12 million adherents. The country also includes Christian minorities that belong other [[Christian]] denominations, which are: *The [[Evangelical Church of Egypt (Synod of the Nile)|Coptic Evangelical Church]] (a [[Protestant]] Church) has between 275,000 and 300,000 members in [[Egypt]]. *The [[Coptic Catholic Church]] (an [[Eastern Catholic Churches|Eastern Catholic]] Church) has between 165,000 and 275,000 members in [[Egypt]] 162,000 <ref>http://www.cnewa.org/source-images/Roberson-eastcath-statistics/eastcatholic-stat07.pdf</ref><ref>[http://www.cnewa.org/ecc-bodypg-us.aspx?eccpageID=63&IndexView=toc CNEWA – The Coptic Catholic Church<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and roughly 50,000 adherents abroad. It is headed by the [[List of Coptic Catholic Patriarchs of Alexandria|Coptic Catholic Patriarch of Alexandria]]. *The [[Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria]] (an [[Eastern Orthodox]] Church) has between 210,000 and 250,000 adherents in [[Egypt]], out of whom approximately 45,000 are of [[Greeks|Greek]] (Hellenic) descent. The Church has another 1.5 million adherents in [[Africa]], out of whom approximately 175,000 to 200,000 of [[Greeks|Greek]] [[Hellenic]] descent and the rest are native African converts (1.3 million). There are also between 10,000 and 15,000 ex-patriates in [[Europe]], [[North America|North]] and [[South America]]. The current [[List of Orthodox Patriarchs of Alexandria|Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria]] is [[Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria|Pope Theodoros II]].<ref>[http://www.greekorthodox-alexandria.org/main.htm Pope Theodoros II]</ref> *The [[Melkite Greek Catholic Church]] (an [[Eastern Catholic Churches|Eastern Catholic]] Church) has about 35,000 members in [[Egypt]]. The eparchy of [[Egypt]] is looked after by a [[Protosyncellus]], and has between 15,000 and 20,000 ex-patriates in [[Europe]], [[North America|North]] and [[South America]], and [[Australia]]. *The [[Armenian Apostolic Church]] (an [[Oriental Orthodox]] Church) has between 15,000 and 20,000 adherents in [[Egypt]]. Most of them follow the Holy See of [[Echmiadzin]] in [[Armenia]], rather than the [[Holy See of Cilicia]] in [[Lebanon]]. *The [[Roman Catholic Church]] has between 15,000 and 18,000 adherents in [[Egypt]]. Most are citizens born in [[Egypt]] but of foreign descent, like [[Italians]], [[Maltese people|Maltese]] and [[French people|French]], or members of the foreign Diplomatic Corps in [[Egypt]]. There are very few native Christian Egyptians who adhere to the [[Roman Catholic Church]], and those who do (several hundreds) do so mainly through marriage. *The [[Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East]] (a [[Protestant]] Church known in [[Egypt]] as the [[Anglican Communion|Anglican Church]]) has between 10,000 and 15,000 members in [[Egypt]]. *The [[Maronite Church]] (an [[Eastern Catholic Churches|Eastern Catholic]] Church) has between 9,000 and 11,000 adherents in [[Egypt]]. *The [[Armenian Catholic Church]] (an [[Eastern Catholic Churches|Eastern Catholic]] Church) has about 6,500 adherents in [[Egypt]]. *The [[Chaldean Catholic Church]] (an [[Eastern Catholic Churches|Eastern Catholic]] Church) has about 4,500 members in [[Egypt]]. *The [[Syriac Catholic Church]] (an [[Eastern Catholic Churches|Eastern Catholic]] Church) has about 1,500 adherents in [[Egypt]]. *The [[Syriac Orthodox Church]] (an [[Oriental Orthodox]] Church) has a very small population in [[Egypt]], numbering between 450 and 500. Most are students of the Catechetical School of Alexandria, or foreign students studying in Egyptian Universities. Since the 1980s theologians from the Oriental (Non-Chalcedonian) Orthodox and Eastern (Chalcedonian) Orthodox churches have been meeting in a bid to resolve theological differences, and have concluded that many of the differences are caused by the two groups using different terminology to describe the same thing (see [http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/Agreed_Official_Statements_on_Christology_with_the_Catholic_and_Eastern_Orthodox_Churches Agreed Official Statements on Christology with the Eastern Orthodox Churches]). In the summer of 2001, the Coptic Orthodox and Greek Orthodox Patriarchates of Alexandria agreed<ref>[http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/Pastoral_Agreement_between_the_Coptic_Orthodox_and_Greek_Orthodox_Patriarchates_of_Alexandria_%282001%29 Official Statements on Christology].</ref> to mutually recognize baptisms performed in each other's churches, making re-baptisms unnecessary, and to recognize the sacrament of marriage as celebrated by the other. Previously, if a Coptic Orthodox and Greek Orthodox wanted to marry, the marriage had to be performed twice, once in each church, for it to be recognized by both. Now it can be done in only one church and be recognized by both. According to Christian Tradition and Canon Law, the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria only ordains men, and if they wish to be married, they must be married before they are ordained. In this respect they follow the same practices as does the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]. Traditionally, the [[Coptic language]] was used in church services, and the scriptures were written in the [[Coptic alphabet]]. However, due to the Arabisation of Egypt, service in churches started to witness increased use of Arabic, while preaching is done entirely in Arabic. Native languages are used, in conjunction with Coptic and Arabic, during services outside of Egypt. Coptic Orthodox Christians celebrate [[Christmas]] on the 7th of January ([[Gregorian Calendar]]), which coincides with the 25th of December according to the [[Julian Calendar]]. The Coptic Orthodox Church uses the [[Julian Calendar]] as its Ecclesiastical Calendar. It is known as the [[Coptic calendar]] or the [[Coptic Calendar|Alexandrian Calendar]]. This calendar is in turn based on the old [[Egyptian calendar]] of [[Ancient Egypt]]. The [[Coptic Orthodox Church]] is thus considered an Old Calendrist Church. [[Christmas]] according to the [[Coptic calendar]] was adopted as an official national holiday in [[Egypt]] since [[2002]]. ==Coptic Orthodox churches around the world== *'''Africa''' See [[Coptic Orthodox Church in Africa]] *'''Asia''' See [[Coptic Orthodox Church in Asia]] *'''Australia and Oceania''' See [[Coptic Orthodox Church in Australia]] *'''Europe''' See [[Coptic Orthodox Church in Europe]] *'''North America''' See [[Coptic Orthodox Church in the United States]] and the [[Coptic Orthodox Church in Canada]] *'''South America''' See [[Coptic Orthodox Church in South America]] ==Official titles of the Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa== ===The episcopal titles of the Pope of Alexandria=== {{main|Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria}} *The leader of the [[Coptic Orthodox Church|Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria]], is known as ''[[List of Coptic Popes|Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of all Africa on the Holy See of St. Mark the Apostle]]''. *His full title is [[List of Coptic Orthodox Popes of Alexandria|Pope and Lord Archbishop of the Great City of Alexandria]] and [[List of Coptic Orthodox Popes of Alexandria|Patriarch of All Africa on the Holy Orthodox and Apostolic Throne of Saint Mark the Evangelist and Holy Apostle]] that is, in [[Egypt]], [[Pentapolis]], [[Libya]], [[Nubia]], [[Sudan]], [[Ethiopia]], [[Eritrea]] and all [[Africa]]. *The Successor of [[St. Mark]] the [[Four Evangelists|Evangelist]], Holy Apostle and Martyr, on the Holy Apostolic Throne of the Great City of [[Alexandria]]. *[[List of Coptic Orthodox Popes of Alexandria|Pope of Alexandria]], being the [[Bishop|Diocesan Bishop]] of the Great and Ancient [[Metropolis]] of [[Alexandria]], that is in [[Alexandria]] and the metropolitan province of Greater [[Cairo]]. *Elder [[Metropolitan Archbishop]] of the Egyptian Province. *[[Primate (religion)|Primate]] of [[Egypt]], [[Pentapolis]], [[Libya]], [[Nubia]] and [[Sudan]]. *[[Patriarch]] of All [[Africa]]. *Father of Fathers. *[[Shepherd]] of Shepherds. *[[Hierarch]] of all Hierarchs. ===Honorary titles of the Pope of Alexandria=== *The Dean of the [[Alexandrian school|Great Catechetical School of Theology of Alexandria]]. *The Ecumenical (Universal) Judge (Arbitrator) of the Holy Apostolic and Catholic (Universal) Church. *The Thirteenth among the Holy [[Twelve Apostles|Apostles]]. *The Pillar and Defender of the [[Holy]], [[Catholic]] (Universal), [[Apostolic]] Church and of the [[Orthodox]] Doctrine. ===Historical evolution of the ecclesiastical title=== [[Image:StMarkcoptic.jpg|280px|thumb|left|[[Coptic art|Coptic icon]] of [[Mark the Evangelist|Saint Mark the Evangelist]], the apostolic founder of the Church of Alexandria]] The Bishop of Alexandria was first known just as the ''Bishop of Alexandria''. It continued to be so, until the Church grew within and all over the Egyptian Province, and many Bishops were consecrated for the newly founded parishes all over the towns and cities. The Bishop of Alexandria, being the successor of the first Bishop in [[Egypt]] consecrated by [[Saint Mark]], was honored by the other Bishops, as first among equals ''"Primus inter Pares,"''. This was in addition to the appropriate honorary dignity, which was due by virtue of being the Senior Bishop of the main [[Metropolis]] of the Province, [[Alexandria]], which also the Capital and the main Port of the Province. This honor was bestowed by making the Senior Bishop an ''“[[Archbishop]],”'' thus presiding in dignity of honor over all the Alexandrine and Egyptian Bishops. The appellation of ''“Pope”'' has been attributed to the Bishop of Alexandria since the Episcopate of [[Heraclas of Alexandria|Heraclas]], the thirteenth Bishop of [[Alexandria]]. All the clergy of [[Alexandria]] and [[Lower Egypt]] honored him with the appellation ''“Papas,”'' which means “Our Father,” as the Senior and Elder Bishop among all bishops, within the [[Egypt]]ian Province, who are under his jurisdiction. This is because [[Alexandria]] was the Capital of the Province, and the preaching center and the place of martyrdom of [[Saint Mark]] the Evangelist and Apostle. The title ''“[[Patriarch]]”'' means the Head or the Leader of a Tribe or a Community. Ecclesiastically it means the Head of the Fathers (Bishops) and their congregation of faithful. This title is historically known as “[[Patriarch]] of [[Alexandria]] and all [[Africa]] on the Holy Apostolic Throne of [[Saint Mark]] the Evangelist,” that is “of [[Alexandria]] and of all [[Africa]].” The title of “Patriarch” was first used around the time of the Third Ecumenical [[Council of Ephesus]], convened in AD [[431]], and ratified at [[Council of Chalcedon|Chalcedon]] in AD [[451]]. It is to be noted that only the [[Patriarch of Alexandria]] has the double title of '''Pope''' and '''Patriarch''' among the [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox]] and the [[Oriental Orthodox]] Thrones. ==Jurisdiction of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria outside Egypt== Besides [[Egypt]], the [[Church of Alexandria]] has jurisdiction over [[Pentapolis]], [[Libya]], [[Nubia]], [[Sudan]], [[Ethiopia]], [[Eritrea]] and all [[Africa]]. Both the Patriarchate of [[Addis Ababa]] & all [[Ethiopia]] and the Patriarchate of [[Asmara]] & all [[Eritrea]] do acknowledge the supremacy of honor & dignity of the [[Pope of Alexandria|Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria]] on the basis that both Patriarchates were established by the Throne of [[Alexandria]] and that they have their roots in the Apostolic [[Church of Alexandria]], and acknowledge that [[Saint Mark]] the Apostle is the founder of their Churches through the heritage and Apostolic evangelization of the Fathers of [[Alexandria]]. In other words, the Patriarchate of [[Addis Ababa]] & all [[Ethiopia]] and the Patriarchate of [[Asmara]] & all [[Eritrea]] are daughter Churches of the Holy Apostolic [[Patriarchate of Alexandria]]. In addition to the above, the countries of [[Uganda]], [[Kenya]], [[Tanzania]], [[Zambia]], [[Zimbabwe]], [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|the Congo]], [[Cameroon]], [[Nigeria]], [[Ghana]], [[Botswana]], [[Malawi]], [[Angola]], [[Namibia]] and [[South Africa]] are under the jurisdiction and the evangelization of the Throne of [[Alexandria]]. It is still expanding in the vast continent of [[Africa]]. ===Administrative divisions of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria=== * 11 [[Metropolises]] with 9 [[Metropolitan bishop|Metropolitan]]s (2 Vacant Metropolises). * 54 [[Eparchy|Dioceses]] in Egypt and outside Egypt with 51 [[Bishop|Diocesan Bishops]] plus 2 Bishops shepherding a particular flock {the Eritreans} in the [[United States of America]] and the [[United Kingdom]], while 3 [[Eparchy|Dioceses]] remain vacant. * 9 [[Bishop|Auxiliary Bishops]] (1 in a [[Eparchy|Diocese]] in [[France]], 2 in Dioceses in [[Egypt]] and 6 assistants to H.H. the Pope in the [[Metropolis|Metropolitan Archdiocese]] of [[Cairo]], which is directly under the responsibility of H.H. the Pope) * 5 [[Exarch|Patriarchal Exarchs]] (2 In the [[Archdiocese]] of [[North America]], 1 in the [[United Kingdom]] and 2 in East and South Africa) * 9 [[Abbot|Bishop Abbots]] of Patriarchal Monasteries, plus 2 Monasteries awaiting the nomination of its Bishop Abbot. * 7 [[Bishop|General Bishops]], including 3 Bishops heading Patriarchal Institutions, 2 Bishops Secretaries of H.H. the Pope and 2 General Bishops without portfolios. * 1 [[Chorbishop]]. [[Image:Amman Coptic Church.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A Coptic Orthodox Church in [[Amman]], [[Jordan]]]] ===The Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria=== {{main|The Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria}} [[The Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria]] is headed by the [[Patriarch of Alexandria]] and the members are the [[Metropolitan bishop|Metropolitan]]s, [[Bishops]], [[Chorbishop]]s and Patriarchal [[Vicar]]s of the Church of Alexandria. For the list of the members of the Holy Synod and their official titles see main article [[The Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria]] ==Cathedrals== *[[Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral]] *[[Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral (Alexandria)]] *[[Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral (Azbakeya)]] ==Monasteries== {{main|Coptic monasticism}} *[[Monastery of Saint Anthony]] *[[Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great]] *[[Monastery of Saint Mina]] *[[Paromeos Monastery]] *[[Monastery of Saint Paul the Anchorite]] *[[Monastery of Saint Pishoy]] *[[Red Monastery]] *[[Syrian Monastery]] *[[White Monastery]] <gallery> Image:Coptic Bible.JPG Image:Coptic Christian Church relief wall.JPG‎ Image:Coptic Christian Church outside.JPG‎ </gallery> ==See also== *[[Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria]] **[[List of Coptic Orthodox Popes of Alexandria]] **[[Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria]] **[[Patriarch of Alexandria]] *[[The Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church]] **[[Coptic Orthodox Church in Africa]] **[[Coptic Orthodox Church in Australia]] **[[Coptic Orthodox Church in the United States]] **[[Coptic Orthodox Church in Canada]] **[[Coptic Orthodox Church in Europe]] **[[Coptic Orthodox Church in South America]] *[[General Congregation Council]] *[[Copt]]s *[[Coptic Saints]] *[[The Catechetical School of Alexandria]] *[[Coptic Orthodox churches]] *[[Institute of Coptic Studies]] *[[Coptic orphans]] *[[Oriental Orthodoxy]] *[[Christianity in Africa]] *[[Eastern Orthodox Church of Alexandria]] *[[Coptic Catholic Church]] *[[Holy Family in Egypt]] ==References== {{reflist|2}} ==External links== * [http://copticpope.org The Official Site of the Coptic Orthodox Pope] * [http://www.copticmidlanddiocese.co.uk The official Site for the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Midlands & Affiliated regions, U.K.] * [http://www.copticmidlanddiocese.co.uk/coptic_orthodoxy.htm A simple, summarised investigation of Coptic Othodoxy] * [http://www.coptichymns.net Comprehensive collection of Coptic hymns, articles, and information on the Coptic Orthodox Church] * [http://www.copticchurch.net More Information on the Coptic Church, its Beliefs, Practices, and Liturgical Life] * [http://www.tasbeha.org Downloadable Coptic hymns, chants, songs, liturgies, live webcasts, and forum] * [http://www.stmina-monastery.org St. Mina (Menas) Coptic Orthodox Monastery in Mariut, near Alexandria, Egypt] * [http://st-takla.org/Coptic-church-1.html Coptic Church History at www.St-Takla.org] * [http://www.coptic.net/EncyclopediaCoptica/ CoptNet - The Christian Coptic Orthodox Church Of Egypt] *[http://www.tertullian.org/fathers/index.htm#History_of_the_Patriarchs_of_the_Coptic_Church_of_Alexandria History of the Patriarchs of the Coptic Church of Alexandria - to 849 A.D.] * [http://www.agpeya.org/index.html Agpeya: Coptic Book of Hours] - also see [[Canonical hours]] *[http://www.ccel.org/p/pearse/morefathers/severus_hermopolis_hist_alex_patr_00_eintro.htm Severus of Al'Ashmunein (=Hermopolis), History of the Patriarchs of the Coptic church of Alexandria] *{{fr icon}} [http://www.coptipedia.com Coptipedia.com] *{{fr icon}} [http://www.france-copte.net France-copte.net] ==Bibliography== * {{cite book| others =R. H. Charles (translator)| title =The Chronicle of John, Bishop of Nikiu: Translated from [[Hermann Zotenberg|Zotenberg]]'s Ethiopic Text| publisher =Evolution Publishing| date =[[2007-02-28]]| isbn =978-1-889758-87-9 }} * {{cite book| last =Meinardus| first =Otto| title =Two Thousand Years of Coptic Christianity| publisher =[[American University in Cairo]] Press| date =[[2002-10-01]]| location =[[Cairo]]| url =http://aucpress.com/p-2287-two-thousand-years-of-coptic-christianity.aspx| isbn =9774247574}} * {{cite book| last =Partrick| first =Theodore| title =Traditional Egyptian Christianity: A History of the Coptic Orthodox Church| publisher =Fisher Park Press| year =1996| month =June| location =[[Greensboro, North Carolina|Greensboro, NC]]| isbn =0965239608 }} * {{cite book| last =Butcher| first =E. L.| title =Story of the Church of Egypt| publisher =[[Smith, Elder & Co.]]| year =1897| location =[[London]]| language =[[Arabic]]| edition=[[text file]]| url =http://www.stmina-monastery.org/ButcherEL/| isbn =0837076102}} * {{cite web| last =Iskandar| first =Adel| authorlink =Adel Iskandar| coauthors = Hakem Rustom| title =From Paris to Cairo: Resistance of the Unacculturated| work =The Ambassadors Online Magazine| year =2006| month =January| url =http://ambassadors.net/archives/issue19/opinions2.htm| accessdate =2007-06-09}} {{Oriental Orthodoxy}} [[Category:Coptic Orthodox Church| ]] [[Category:Religion in Egypt]] [[Category:Christianity in Africa]] [[Category:Christianity in Egypt|Coptic Orthodox]] [[Category:National churches|Egypt]] [[Category:All Africa Conference of Churches]] [[Category:Members of the World Council of Churches]] [[ar:كنيسة قبطية أرثوذكسية]] [[frp:Égllése copta ortodoxe]] [[bg:Коптска православна църква]] [[ca:Cristianisme copte]] [[cy:Yr Eglwys Goptaidd]] [[de:Koptische Kirche]] [[es:Iglesia Ortodoxa Copta]] [[fa:ارتدکس قبطی]] [[fr:Église copte orthodoxe]] [[ko:콥트 교회]] [[hr:Koptska Crkva]] [[it:Chiesa copta ortodossa]] [[he:נצרות קופטית]] [[lv:Koptu pareizticīgā baznīca]] [[lb:Koptesch Kierch]] [[hu:Kopt Ortodox Egyház]] [[nl:Koptisch-orthodoxe Kerk]] [[ja:コプト正教会]] [[no:Koptisk kristendom]] [[nn:Koptisk kristendom]] [[pt:Igreja Ortodoxa Copta]] [[ru:Коптская православная церковь]] [[simple:Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria]] [[sr:Коптска православна црква]] [[fi:Aleksandrian koptilais-ortodoksinen kirkko]] [[sv:Koptisk-ortodoxa kyrkan]] [[th:นิกายคอปติกออร์โธด็อกซ์]] [[zh:亞歷山大科普特正教會]]