History of Christianity

The “Way” was established early in the 1st Century following the resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ. They were first called Christians in Antioch, a city now that lies in Muslim Turkey.

Jesus Christ started His ministry at the age of 33, prior to that, the incarnate Word of God chose to remain hidden in obscurity and lived a quiet life as a poor simple carpenter. Much of Christ’s early life is unknown however, what we know is far more compelling given the fact that He grew up amongst the peasantry. Then, in just a few short years, the world was shaken. All of Judea was soon filled with the news of this wandering Teacher who spoke with divine authority, healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and even raised the dead. The One who could command the storm with a word also walked side by side with the lowly, ate with sinners, and comforted the brokenhearted.

This is where the Church began, born from the life, death, and Resurrection of the One who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.

From the very beginning, Egypt was chosen by God in a special way. The prophet Isaiah spoke of a day when there would be “an altar to the Lord in the midst of Egypt” (Isaiah 19:19). This prophecy was fulfilled with the birth of the Coptic Orthodox Church, founded in the first century by the great Apostle and Evangelist, Saint Mark.

The Coptic Church is not simply old it is ancient, one of the very first Churches of Christianity. Through every generation, it has carried the faith of the Apostles faithfully and purely, never abandoning the truth entrusted to it. Its worship, its prayers, and its teachings are deeply rooted in holiness, centered on Christ, and preserved through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The Coptic Church has endured centuries of persecution, from Roman emperors, to Byzantine and Arab rulers, yet it has never wavered. Even when heresies threatened to tear apart the body of Christ, the Coptic Church stood firm, protecting the truth of the Gospel entrusted to her. It is a Church built on faith, watered by the blood of martyrs, and sanctified by the presence of Christ Himself.

For Egypt was not only a land of ancient kingdoms, it became a land blessed by the very footsteps of the Holy Family. Our Lord Jesus, with the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph, once sought refuge there. He entered Egypt as an infant King and wherever the Holy Family stayed, miracles took place, and churches would later rise. Thus, Egypt became Christ’s second home, the only land other than His birthplace to be graced by His presence.

To be born “Coptic” is to be both the descendant of the ancient Egyptians and the child of the Church that Christ blessed. The word itself simply means “Egyptian,” but in truth, it means so much more: it means belonging to a faith tested by fire and found unshakable.

Even in our own times, the Lord has not left His Church without signs of His love. The Virgin Mary has appeared in Egypt, in Zeitoun, in Shoubra, and other places, reminding us of Isaiah’s promise: “Blessed is Egypt My people” (Isaiah 19:25).

The Coptic Orthodox Church is more than history, it is a living proof that God keeps His promises. It is both a refuge and a home for all who come with open hearts, just as Egypt once sheltered the Holy Family. To enter this Church is to step into the stream of a faith that flows unbroken from the Apostles until today a faith pure, ancient, and alive with the presence of Christ.