Faith
The foundational tenets of the Orthodox Church trace their origins to the very inception of Christianity, as eloquently conveyed by Christ Himself. These profound beliefs, etched into the fabric of our spiritual heritage, find their succinct and profound expression in the venerable Nicene Creed.
Crafted in the early fourth century, the Nicene Creed, also known as the “Orthodox Creed,” stands as the definitive statement of faith for the Coptic Orthodox Church. This eloquent and enduring statement was meticulously penned by one of the paramount figures in the annals of the Coptic Church, St. Athanasius the Apostolic, a revered patron saint of our parish.
The Orthodox Creed reads as follows:
“We believe in One God, God the Father, the Pantocrator, Creator of Heaven and Earth, and all things seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the Only-Begotten Son of God, Begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light, True God of True God, begotten not created; of One Essence with the Father; by Whom all things were made; Who for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and of the Virgin Mary, and became Man. And He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; suffered and was buried; and on the third day He rose from the dead, according to the Scriptures; ascended to the heavens; He sits at the right hand of His Father; and He is coming again in His glory to judge the living and the dead; Whose Kingdom shall have no end.
Yes, we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who, with the Father and the Son, is worshipped and glorified; Who spoke by the prophets. And in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, we confess one baptism for the remission of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the coming age. Amen.”
COPTIC ORTHODOXY
THE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH OF ALEXANDRIA IS:
AN ANCIENT CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Our Coptic Orthodox Church stands as one of the oldest and most venerable institutions globally, its roots tracing back to the dawn of Christianity. Founded by Saint Mark the Apostle, the esteemed author of the second Gospel, this ancient Church took its initial steps in the first century. The term ‘Coptic’ derives from the ancient Egyptian word ‘hekaptah,’ signifying ‘Egypt,’ and consequently, ‘Coptic’ translates simply to ‘Egyptian.’
Embedded in the very essence of our tradition is a commitment to conservatism, where the Coptic Church has meticulously safeguarded the Orthodox Christian Faith in its purest and earliest form. This commitment involves a faithful transmission of beliefs and practices from one generation to the next, preserving the integrity of our faith in an unaltered state. Our adherence to the Apostolic doctrines and patterns of worship serves as a testament to our dedication to maintaining the authenticity of the Orthodox Christian tradition.
Through the centuries, the Coptic Church has remained unwavering in its mission to uphold and pass down the teachings of the Apostles, ensuring that the essence of our faith remains steadfast and true. This commitment to preservation forms the bedrock of our identity as a community rooted in the timeless doctrines and worship patterns established by the Apostles themselves.
TRINITARIAN
Her profound faith centers on the belief in the Holy Trinity: a divine unity comprising the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, constituting a singular Godhead. At the core of her convictions lies the acknowledgment that our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, chose to manifest in human form. This divine incarnation unfolded through His miraculous birth from the Virgin Saint Mary.
The pivotal aspect of her faith centers on the sacrificial act of our Lord, who willingly endured the Cross, offering His life for our redemption and the gift of salvation. The profound significance of His crucifixion, death, and subsequent resurrection on the third day forms the cornerstone of her belief system. This triumphant rising from the grave holds the promise of everlasting life.
Additionally, her faith extends to the ascension of our Lord to heaven after forty days, a divine departure that marks the culmination of His physical time on Earth. This departure is complemented by the fulfillment of Christ’s promise to His disciples — the sending of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit serves as a guiding force and source of divine empowerment for believers.
In embracing these fundamental tenets, her faith reflects a deep connection to the core doctrines of the Coptic Orthodox Church, reinforcing a spiritual journey guided by the profound narrative of the Holy Trinity, the redemptive mission of Jesus Christ, and the abiding influence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers and the church.
APOSTOLIC
Our Church, established by the esteemed Saint Mark the Apostle and Evangelist, proudly traces its origins back to a time spanning the years 60-70 A.D. Saint Mark, inspired by the divine call to share the teachings of Jesus Christ,
embarked on a mission to impart the Gospel to the people of Egypt. This apostolic foundation sets the tone for our identity as an unbroken chain of faith, directly connected to the days of Jesus.
As an apostolic church, we cherish the unique distinction of being rooted in the teachings and practices laid down by the apostles themselves. Saint Mark’s journey to Egypt, his proclamation of the Gospel, and the subsequent establishment of our church create a historical continuum that binds us to the earliest days of Christianity.
Over the centuries, our commitment to apostolic tradition remains unwavering. The apostolic succession, the passing down of authority and teachings from the apostles to subsequent generations, is a sacred aspect of our identity. This unbroken chain ensures that the traditions, beliefs, and practices upheld in our church today are a direct reflection of the faith observed by the earliest followers of Christ.
In preserving the traditions of the church since the days of Jesus, we honor the legacy of Saint Mark and the apostolic foundation upon which our faith rests. This commitment to continuity serves as a testament to the enduring nature of our beliefs, as we remain steadfast in our dedication to maintaining the authenticity of the apostolic teachings in the contemporary context.
SCRIPTURAL (BIBLICAL)
Central to her beliefs is an unwavering reliance on the Holy Scriptures, considering them as the primary guide and source of divine wisdom. She holds a deep reverence for literal translations, particularly the King James Version
(KJV), New King James Version (NJKV), and the Revised Standard Version (RSV). These translations, chosen for their fidelity to the original texts, serve as her main points of reference in the exploration of the sacred teachings.
In matters of the New Testament, the Coptic Orthodox Church embraces any translation that maintains fidelity to the Greek Textus Receptus. This commitment to authenticity underscores the Church’s dedication to preserving the original meanings and nuances present in the Greek manuscripts.
A distinctive aspect of her approach is the preference for the Septuagint (LXX) translation when delving into the Old Testament. This ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures aligns with the Church’s commitment to maintaining a connection to the earliest traditions. In contrast to the Masoretic text prevalent in many contemporary Bibles, the Septuagint holds a special place in her heart as a faithful representation of the Old Testament.
This meticulous approach to scripture, with an emphasis on specific translations and a preference for the Septuagint in the Old Testament, reflects her commitment to a thorough and authentic understanding of the sacred texts. In doing so, she upholds a tradition that traces its roots to the earliest days of the Coptic Orthodox Church, ensuring a continuity that bridges the past and the present.
TRADITIONAL
An integral pillar supporting her profound faith rests upon the teachings imparted by the early Church Fathers. These venerable figures, distinguished for their wisdom and theological insights, have left an indelible mark on the
Coptic Orthodox Church. Their writings, reflections, and doctrinal elucidations serve as invaluable guides, illuminating the path of faith and providing a rich tapestry of understanding for believers.
In addition to the wisdom garnered from the early Church Fathers, she places significant emphasis on the Nicene Creed as a foundational statement of her faith. This creed, formulated in the early centuries of Christianity, stands as a cornerstone of doctrinal unity within the Coptic Orthodox Church. It succinctly articulates the core tenets of her belief, affirming the divinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in a manner that resonates across generations.
The Nicene Creed, with its eloquent prose and timeless affirmations, serves not only as a declaration of faith but also as a unifying force that connects believers across the centuries. Its formulation during the early ecumenical councils reflects the collective wisdom and consensus of the early Christian community, embodying the spirit of unity that remains central to her beliefs.
Thus, through a harmonious integration of the teachings of the early Church Fathers and the enduring declarations of the Nicene Creed, she fortifies her faith with a robust foundation. This dual commitment underscores a continuity with the earliest traditions of the Coptic Orthodox Church, providing a comprehensive framework that guides her spiritual journey.
SACRAMENTAL
Seven Primary Mysteries: An Expression of Divine Presence
In the rich tapestry of the Coptic Orthodox faith, seven primary Mysteries, deeply rooted in biblical narratives, serve as transformative encounters with the divine. These Mysteries, known as sacraments in other Christian traditions, find their biblical foundation in the sacred scriptures.
1. Baptism: A Spiritual Rebirth
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19, NKJV)
Baptism, echoing the directive of Christ in the Gospel of Matthew, represents more than a symbolic ritual—it embodies a literal rebirth of the spirit. The immersion in water is not merely a ceremonial act; it is a profound experience signifying cleansing and renewal at the core of one’s being. This act is indispensable, not merely as a tradition but as a necessity, serving as a tangible and essential initiation into a renewed spiritual existence. Baptism becomes a transformative rite, washing away the old self and ushering in a new life in close communion with the triune God. This literal rebirth is deemed necessary, underscoring its pivotal role in the believer’s journey toward spiritual growth.
“Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.‘” (John 3:5, NKJV)
2. Chrismation: The Anointing of the Spirit
“But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.” (1 John 2:20, NKJV)
Chrismation, as illuminated in the biblical passage from 1 John, embodies the anointing of the Holy Spirit. This sacramental Mystery is not merely a symbolic gesture but a tangible manifestation of the divine presence. It serves as a pivotal reinforcement of the indwelling Spirit within believers, endowing them with the power to walk in truth. Far beyond a mere ritual, Chrismation becomes a sacred conduit through which believers receive the transformative anointing, empowering them to navigate their spiritual journey with authenticity and a deep connection to the divine truth.
3. Confession: Healing and Restoration
“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” (James 5:16, NKJV)
Confession, as advocated in the Epistle of James, unfolds as a Mystery of profound healing and restoration within the Coptic Orthodox tradition. This sacramental act is not merely a ritual but a transformative process that holds paramount importance in the spiritual journey of believers.
The act of confessing sins is viewed as a sacred and essential undertaking. It engages believers in a process of self-reflection, humility, and openness before God. The communal support aspect underscores the recognition that the journey toward spiritual wholeness is not solitary but communal in nature.
The role of the priest in this sacrament is pivotal. Within the Coptic Orthodox belief system, the priest is seen as a spiritual guide and a conduit of divine grace. The priest, acting in his ordained capacity, possesses the authority to offer guidance, pronounce absolution, and extend the mercy and forgiveness of God. This authority is not wielded independently but is believed to be granted through the apostolic succession, an unbroken chain of ordination traceable back to the apostles.
Confessing to a priest is not about confessing to a mere human intermediary; rather, it is an acknowledgment of the priest’s role as a representative of Christ in the sacrament of Confession. The priest is seen as a compassionate listener, a wise counselor, and a vehicle through which the grace of God operates to bring healing, forgiveness, and spiritual restoration to the penitent believer.
In essence, Confession is a multifaceted sacrament that combines personal accountability, communal support, and the divine intervention facilitated through the ordained priesthood. It is a sacred process that leads believers on a journey of healing, forgiveness, and renewal, fostering a deeper connection to God and the community of faith.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NKJV)
4. Eucharist: Communion with Christ
“And when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.'” (1 Corinthians 11:24, NKJV)
The Eucharist, as narrated by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:24, is a profound sacrament within the Coptic Orthodox tradition that entails the literal presence of Jesus Christ in the consecrated elements of bread and wine. This belief in the real presence, often referred to as transubstantiation, is not viewed as a mere symbolic representation but as a literal transformation of the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ.
This understanding is grounded in the words of Christ Himself during the Last Supper when He stated, “This is My body” and “This is My blood” (Matthew 26:26-28, NKJV). The Coptic Orthodox Church interprets these words in a literal sense, emphasizing the actual presence of Christ in the Eucharistic elements. The belief in the real presence underscores the sacred nature of the Eucharist, wherein the faithful partake not in a symbolic act but in a profound communion with the living Christ.
The life of the Church revolves around the Eucharist as the central and most significant sacrament. It is not merely a ritual but a source of spiritual nourishment and a means of maintaining a tangible connection with Christ. The Divine Liturgy, where the Eucharist is celebrated, serves as the focal point of worship, communal gathering, and the expression of the Church’s unity.
The necessity of the Eucharist in the lives of believers is paramount. It is not just a customary practice but an essential aspect of spiritual sustenance. The Coptic Orthodox Church teaches that through the Eucharist, believers receive the life-giving presence of Christ, forging a deeper communion with Him. This sacrament is seen as a transformative encounter, providing strength, grace, and spiritual nourishment.
In essence, the Eucharist is not a symbolic remembrance alone; it is a tangible, literal participation in the life of Christ. The belief in the real presence underscores the profound importance of this sacrament in the life of the Church and the spiritual journey of believers, as it provides a continuous connection with the living Christ and sustains the faith community in its journey toward salvation.
“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.'” (John 6:53-54, NKJV)
5. Marriage: A Sacred Union
“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” (Ephesians 5:31, NKJV)
Marriage, according to the teachings of the Coptic Orthodox tradition, is a sacred union designed to bring together one man and one woman in a bond that reflects the divine order established in the Scriptures. This union is deeply rooted in biblical principles, emphasizing the complementary nature of man and woman within the context of marriage.
The teachings of Jesus further affirm the sanctity of marriage. In Matthew 19:4-6 (NKJV), He explicitly defines marriage in accordance with the divine plan: “And He answered and said to them, ‘Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning “made them male and female,” and said, “For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh”? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate.‘” These words underline the exclusivity and permanence of the union between one man and one woman, as ordained by God.
The Coptic Orthodox Church, adhering to these biblical teachings, upholds the sacredness of marriage as a union between a man and a woman. This union is not only a legal or social contract but a divine Mystery, reflecting the profound spiritual reality of the oneness intended by God from the beginning of creation. In this sacred covenant, the couple becomes a living testament to the divine plan for marriage, embodying the complementary and unified nature of God’s design for human relationships.
6. Priesthood: Divine Commissioning
“Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.” (1 Timothy 4:14, NKJV)
In Coptic Orthodoxy, the priesthood is regarded as a divine commission, drawing authority from biblical teachings. Verses like 1 Timothy 4:14 emphasize the significance of the laying on of hands, indicating a sacred transmission of authority. The priesthood is not a self-appointed role but a divine calling, and individuals are entrusted with the responsibility of ministering to the spiritual needs of the community.
A fundamental aspect of the Coptic Orthodox priesthood is apostolic succession—a direct lineage of ordination traced back to the apostles. This concept aligns with biblical principles, as seen in 2 Timothy 2:2, which underscores the apostolic charge to pass on teachings through faithful individuals. The laying on of hands during ordination, as depicted in 1 Timothy 5:22, symbolizes the transmission of spiritual authority and is conducted with careful consideration.
In conclusion, the Coptic Orthodox priesthood is not merely a human institution; it is a sacred trust rooted in biblical principles. The authority and power vested in priests are viewed as divine, and the unbroken chain of apostolic succession ensures the legitimacy of this authority, connecting the contemporary priesthood to the teachings and commission of the apostles. This understanding shapes the priesthood’s role as stewards of a sacred tradition, entrusted with the spiritual care and guidance of the Church.
“And no one takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was.” (Hebrews 5:4, NKJV)
7. Anointing of the Sick: Divine Healing
“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” (James 5:14, NKJV)
The Mystery of the Anointing of the Sick, rooted in the teachings of James, unfolds as a biblical promise of divine healing. According to James 5:14-15 (NKJV), believers are encouraged to seek the elders of the church, undergo an anointing with oil, and entrust their well-being to prayer. This sacramental act goes beyond symbolism; it serves as a tangible expression of faith, embodying the believer’s trust in God’s power for both physical and spiritual restoration.
Anchored in James 5:14-15 (NKJV), the Anointing of the Sick involves a specific call to the elders of the church, prayer, and the application of oil. This act is not a ritualistic formality but a biblical practice, symbolizing the believer’s reliance on divine intervention.
“And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” (James 5:15, NKJV)
Literal Practice: A Sacred Commitment
In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, these Mysteries are not symbolic gestures but tangible encounters with divine grace. Embracing each Mystery literally is a testament to the Church’s commitment to the biblical foundation of these sacred rituals. Taking the Bible at its word, the Church invites believers to experience the transformative power of these Mysteries in their lives, affirming the biblical narratives as living truths that shape the journey of faith. Through literal engagement with the Mysteries, the Coptic Orthodox Church seeks to bring believers into a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, grounded in the rich tapestry of biblical teachings and narratives.
CONSERVATIVE
The steadfast commitment of the Coptic Orthodox Church to the unchanging principles of Faith, Dogma, and Tradition is a testament to its resilience and unwavering dedication. While the Church remains dynamic in adapting day-to-day practices and language to meet the evolving needs of its congregation and the demands of ministry, the core tenets of Faith and Tradition remain unaltered.
This commitment to foundational beliefs and practices is particularly noteworthy given the historical challenges the Coptic Church has faced since its establishment in the first century. Persecution, in various forms, has been a constant companion throughout its journey. Despite these trials, the Church has stood firm, refusing to compromise on matters fundamental to its identity and theological heritage.
The resilience to withstand external pressures and the refusal to conform to fleeting trends underscore the Coptic Church’s commitment to preserving the authentic essence of its faith. This steadfastness becomes a source of inspiration, reflecting the enduring strength of a community that has navigated centuries of challenges without compromising its core beliefs.
Made by Mina Matthew Ragheb