The Copts: From Pagan Egypt to Christianity
Who are the Copts?
Os Copts are the indigenous people of Egito, directly descended from the ancient Egyptians. While they are often associated with Christianity, this is due to the fact that Christianity became the dominant religion in Egypt before the arrival of Islam. In contrast, Muslim Egyptians are a blend of Arab, Coptic, and Ottoman ethnicities, stemming from the Arab conquest in the 7th century and the later influence of the Ottoman Empire.
Os Copts maintain a unique connection to Egypt’s ancient roots through their Coptic language, which evolved from ancient Egyptian and is still used in liturgical practices today. This strong cultural and linguistic link helps preserve a wealth of spiritual knowledge passed down through generations, which is closely tied to the wisdom of their ancestors. Reconnecting with the Coptic heritage is, in many ways, a way of reconnecting with the ancient Egyptian civilization, which had a profound influence on spirituality, philosophy, and culture.
Etimologia
The term “Copt” originates from the Greek word “Aigyptios”, meaning “Egípcio.” Over time, this evolved through the Arabic term “Qibtī” (قبطي), which specifically referred to Christian Egyptians. The word itself reflects the Greek and later Islamic influence on the naming of the Egyptian population, as the Greeks used “Aigyptios” to denote the people of Egypt, and it was later adapted in Arabic to distinguish the Christian Egyptians who preserved their identity after the Arab conquest in the 7th century.
Historically, the term was used to describe Egyptians in general, but it became increasingly associated with those who followed Christianity, especially after Islam spread across Egypt. Therefore, while Copts are Egyptians by ethnicity, the term has come to be tied to the Christian community in Egypt, distinguishing them from the broader Muslim population.
Key figures
Aqui estão four key figures in the growth of Coptic identity, two from the foundation and two from modern history:
Mark the Evangelist is considered the founder of Christianity in Egypt and the first bishop of Alexandria. He established the Coptic Orthodox Church in the 1st century. His evangelizing work helped spread Christianity throughout Egypt, making him one of the most influential figures in Coptic history.
- Anba Antonios (St. Anthony the Great) is considered the father of Christian monasticism. Born in Egito around 251 AD, he retreated into the desert to live a life of asceticism and prayer, inspiring many to follow his example and form monastic communities. His teachings on solitude and faith formed the basis for Coptic monastic traditions.
Pope Kyrillos VI served as the Coptic Orthodox Pope from 1959 to 1971, guiding the Church through a period of political instability in Egypt, including the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood. His papacy saw an unprecedented revival of the Church. Notably, he is the only pope to rise directly from monk to pope without first being a bishop. In 2013, he was canonized as a saint for his spiritual contributions.
Pope Shenouda III led the Coptic Orthodox Church from 1971 to 2012. His leadership was crucial in revitalizing Coptic identity during challenging times in Egito. He emphasized unity e freedom for Copts, strengthening their position in both Egypt and abroad. Pope Shenouda was also awarded many time with international prices for his efforts in fostering peace and promoting interfaith dialogue.
The language
The Coptic language, the final stage of ancient Egyptian, emerged from Demotic script and incorporated the Greek alphabet, supplemented with seven characters for Egyptian sounds. It became a key tool for spreading Christianity in Egypt, serving as the medium for religious texts and daily communication. Following the Arab conquest in 641 AD, Coptic gradually declined as Arabic took prominence in administration, education, and trade, leading to its reduced use in favor of social mobility and integration. Today, Coptic is preserved as a liturgical language within the Coptic Orthodox Church, used in prayers and hymns, with efforts by scholars and the community to sustain it. Its phonetics, rooted in Greek but maintaining unique Egyptian sounds, offer a vital link to Egypt’s ancient linguistic and cultural heritage.
To understand Coptic better, check out the Coptic translator and the Coptic alphabet!
The Coptic Church Entity
The Coptic Orthodox Church is one of the world’s oldest Christian church, tracing its roots to the missionary work of Mark the Evangelist in Alexandria around 42 AD. The Coptic Church is part of the Oriental Orthodox communion, distinct from Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism, due to its rejection of the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD (the third council).
Coptic are christians but they have a completley different organisation and don’t follow the western Pape of Rome. The Coptic Church is led by the Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa, a spiritual leader who oversees the administration of the Church globally. The Church structure includes bishops, priests, and deacons, with monasticism playing a vital role.
Historically, the Coptic Church has endured significant persecution, especially during the Era of the Martyrs under Roman rule, particularly during the reign of Emperor Diocletian (284–305 AD). This period was marked by widespread violence against Christians, leading to the death of countless Copts who refused to renounce their faith. Subsequent persecutions occurred following the Arab conquest of Egypt in 641 AD and during other periods of Islamic expansion. Despite these challenges, the Church has demonstrated remarkable resilience, maintaining a strong sense of community, faith, and cultural identity.
In modern times, the Church has expanded its global presence, establishing communities in the Americas, Europe, African, Asia and Australia. These diaspora communities maintain a strong connection to their heritage, ensuring the continuity of Coptic traditions.
Here is the complete history of the Coptic Church, from its origins to the present day.
Discover all 630 Coptic Orthodox Churches around the world—there might be one right next to you!
The impact on the Culture Today
The Copts have influenced modern Egypt in many ways. Here are three specific examples:
- Sham El-Nessim: Originally a Coptic celebration of Easter, commemorating the resurrection of Christ, Sham El-Nessim involves the consumption of fesikh, a fermented fish that dates back to ancient Egyptian times. Today, even Muslims partake in eating fesikh during Sham El-Nessim, illustrating how this cultural tradition has transcended its religious roots to become a national celebration.
- Fasting: Copts fast for over 200 days a year, during which they refrain from consuming anything derived from animals. This practice has profoundly influenced Egyptian cuisine. Dishes traditionally prepared for Coptic fasts, such as falafel (made from fava beans), molokhia (a green soup), bamia (okra stew), and koshary (a mix of rice, lentils, and pasta), have become the norm in Egyptian food culture. The Coptic tradition of plant-based meals during fasting periods has played a significant role in normalizing vegetarian options throughout Egyptian cuisine.
- Music: Coptic hymns, characterized by their melodic and rhythmic qualities, have shaped the Egyptian musical tradition. The unique style of Coptic chanting, with its ancient melodies, has influenced Egyptian folk music and even classical music. Many songs performed at national celebrations or in public spaces in Egypt today carry echoes of Coptic musical traditions, particularly in the use of certain scales and vocal techniques that originated in the Church’s worship practices.
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