10 Facts About Coptic Christians From History to Everyday Life

The Coptic Christian Church is a thriving faith throughout the world. From its origins in ancient Egypt it has suffered from time to time, but has remained steadfast to the strong beliefs still practiced today.

One of the oldest Christian communities, the Coptic Church has had a very interesting history.

Some noteworthy facts about the Coptic Christians are:

1. Coptic Christians see the Apostle Mark as their founder. The church originated sometime between A.D. 42 and A.D. 62 in Alexandria, Egypt. Coptic is another word for Egyptian, according to Encyclopedia Coptica.

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2. As Coptic Christians refused to worship emperors, they suffered under the rule of the Roman Empire. Practice of their religion was forbidden and Copts were persecuted for their belief in Christ as their only ruler.

3. Coptic Christians thrived during the years after the Arab conquest of Egypt in the seventh century. The Copts could freely practice their religion as long as they paid a special tax known as Geyza. Payment of this tax gave the Coptic Church a protected status.

4. There are seven sacraments in the Coptic religion. These are baptism, confession, communion, confirmation, holy orders, matrimony, and unction for the sick.

5. The worship of saints is strictly forbidden by the Coptic Church, though praying for an intercession by one is part of any Coptic service.

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6. Coptic Christians have over 210 days of fasting throughout the year. On days of fasting, no animal products are allowed and no food or drink between sunrise and sunset.

7. Holy Week, known as Pascha, is the most sacred week in the Coptic Christian calendar. It marks the end of the 40 days of fasting for Lent and the celebration of Easter.

8. Daily, in every Coptic Christian church, Copts pray for the reunification of the Christian faiths.

9. There are more than 50 million members of the worldwide Coptic Christian Church. Members can be found in Egypt, England, France, the U.S., Canada, and several other countries throughout the world, according to About.com.

10. Famous Coptic Christians include former UN Secretary General Boutros Ghali and Dr. Magdy Yacoub, one of the world’s top heart surgeons.

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