Coptic Christianity

In light of the horrific bombing at a Coptic church in Egypt, people are asking, perhaps for the first time, what is, exactly, Coptic Christianity.

I enjoy studying the Coptic Church (Coptic being the language of first century Egyptians) as it has a unique place in Christian history. Shortly after the death of Christ, Christianity spread throughout the Mediterranean. Egypt and northern Africa were hotbeds for this new religion, more so than other parts of the Roman Empire (including Rome!). In fact, the Patriarch of Alexandria was one of the most influential figures within the early Church, helping to form the doctrine we know today.

In the third century, before Constantine became emperor, Egypt gave birth to St. Antony. This man, upon hearing the Gospel, abandoned a life of earthly pleasures to become the first hermit of the desert. Over a span of a hundred years (he had a long life!), he gradually retreated further and further into the Egyptian desert. He formed a unique relationship with God through prayer and meditation. He became so holy, in fact, that he was physically assaulted by the devil and his demons. Over the years, other men came to Antony seeking spiritual guidance.

Thus, Antony is known as the Father of Monasticism and, thereafter, a great many holy men and women came from Egypt. It was not until the armies of Islam that Christianity lost it's foothold in Egypt.

And so, Coptic Christianity holds a special place in the history of Christianity. We are all connected, all family within the same faith. We all grieve together.