Coptes

Coptes, in English Copts, are Egyptian Christians associated most prominently with the Coptic Orthodox Church. The term Copt derives from the Greek Aigyptos and historically referred to Egyptian Christians before broader usage.

Origins and identity: The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria is one of the oldest Christian communities. Tradition holds that Saint Mark the Evangelist established a church in Alexandria in the 1st century, creating a distinctive liturgical and spiritual tradition that developed independently from other sees. The Coptic Church uses its own ancient rites, language, and monastic heritage.

Beliefs and structure: The Coptic Orthodox Church is part of the Oriental Orthodox communion, which upholds Miaphysite Christology—the belief in the union of divine and human natures in Christ without division. The church is led by the Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the Holy See of Saint Mark; the pope acts as the spiritual leader and administrator for the church’s dioceses, monasteries, and congregations. The church is organized into dioceses overseen by bishops and is characterized by a strong monastic tradition.

Language and worship: Liturgy is historically conducted in Coptic, especially the Bohairic dialect, though Arabic is widely used in daily life. The Coptic language descends from ancient Egyptian and uses the Coptic alphabet. Major feasts include Christmas on January 7 in the Julian calendar, celebrated by Copts in Egypt and abroad.

Practice and culture: Worship emphasizes baptism and the Eucharist, along with robust monasticism dating to the Desert Fathers and prominent centers such as Saint Anthony’s and Saint Samuel’s monasteries. Demographically, Copts form a substantial minority in Egypt with a growing diaspora in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Australia.