The word Coptic simply means “Egyptian.” The Coptic Orthodox Church is the ancient Christian Church of Egypt, tracing its roots back to St. Mark the Apostle in the first century.

The Coptic Church is part of the Oriental Orthodox family. While it shares the same core Christian beliefs, it has unique traditions, liturgy, and theology, especially its understanding of the nature of Christ (Miaphysitism).

Saints are honored as faithful examples who lived holy lives. Icons are considered “windows to heaven,” helping us focus on prayer and worship, not objects of worship themselves.