The Coptic Church
The Holy Church of Egypt
The Coptic Church was established by Saint Mark, an apostle and evangelist, during the middle of the 1st century
(c. AD 42). 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 Bahnasa, in Middle Egypt, which date around the year 200 A.D., and a fragment of the Gospel of Saint John, written using the Coptic language, which was found in Upper Egypt and can be dated to the first half of the second century.
The Coptic Church, which is now more than nineteen centuries old, was 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."
​
Although fully integrated into the body of the modern Egyptian nation, the Copts have survived as a strong religious entity who pride themselves on their contribution to the Christian world. The Coptic church regards itself as a strong defendant of Christian faith. The Nicene Creed, which is recited in all churches throughout the world, has been authored by one of its favourite sons, Saint Athanasius, the Pope of Alexandria for 46 years, from 327 A.D. to 373 A.D.
​
​
The Nicene Creed
​
Truly we believe in One God, God the Father, the Almighty, who created Heaven and earth, and of all things seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light; True God of True God; begotten, not created; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from Heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and of the Virgin Mary, and became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. He arose from the dead on the third day, according to the Scriptures. He ascended to the heavens, and sits at the right hand of His Father. He is coming again in His glory to judge the living and the dead; and His Kingdom shall have no end. Yes we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord the life giver who proceeds from the Father; who with the Father and the son is worshiped and glorified, Who spoke by the prophets. We believe in one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and we confess one baptism for the remission of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the coming age. Amen
​
​