The Coptic Orthodox Church

The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria is one of Christianity’s oldest Apostolic Sees, the See of Saint Mark the Evangelist and pure Apostle. In the year 62 AD Saint Mark arrived in Alexandria, preached the good news of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, established its first church, ordained a Bishop and founded the Theological School of Alexandria.

Saint Mark is the author of the second gospel in the New Testament in his name, recording the life and works of our Lord Christ for the salvation of humanity. The Coptic Orthodox Church is grateful to Saint Mark whose name was given to the first church in Egypt, where his body was buried and for many centuries after him, Patriarchs were chosen. One of the traditional first duties of a new Patriarch was to receive the blessing at Saint Mark’s tomb and then in a festive ceremony to place a new shroud around the head of Saint Mark. This great saint preached in the name of Christ not only in Egypt, but also Libya, Cyprus, Rome and countries in Asia and Europe. He is highly venerated in Venice and other nations seek his blessings.

Saint Mark the apostle, the preacher, the evangelist, the martyr, the beholder of God’s home was the first church in the world [Acts 12 - 12]. In this home, God instituted the sacrament of the Eucharist and His disciples were endowed with the Holy Spirit.

The word "Copt" is a derivative of ancient Greek for Egypt. Today the word “Copt or Coptic” refers to native Christian Egyptians the direct descendants of the ancient Egyptians who were converted to Christianity by Saint Mark. It also refers to all those baptised within the Church throughout the world.