The Coptic Church is considered to be one of, if not the first, Christian churches that is still in existence. It traces its history back to sometime between 41 and 44 AD as being established by one of the original apostles - St. Mark, the Evangelist. In Alexandria Egypt, St. Mark established the church, ordained one bishop and seven deacons, founded the School of Alexandria, and became a martyr in 68 AD when he was killed by the Romans. 
In 451 AD, the Church split from other Christian churches at the Council of Chalcedon over the nature of Christ. The Coptic Church became part of what is now considered, the 'Non-Chalcedonian Orthodox Churches'.
Copts, as they are called, are unique and distinctive in their beliefs in the predominately Muslim culture of Egypt. They increasingly are targets of ridicule and restrictions in their home country. Copts consider themselves the successors of the ancient Egyptians, the sons of the Pharaohs. Ancient Egyptians embraced Christianity because it, "puts no limits to spiritual progress, for it raises the believers towards the bosom of the Father that they might enjoy the likeness of God, fast communion with Him and acknowledgment of the eternal divine mysteries."
The Coptic Church has a distinctive Pope - of Alexandria, who is based in Cairo. The way the Pope is elected is an interesting process. Candidates who are at least 40 years old and have been monks for over 15 years are voted on by the Holy Synod, the church's highest council. The names of the three candidates with the most votes are written on pieces of paper and one of them is picked by an altar boy. Their current Pope, Tawadros II, is the 118th successor to the apostle Mark.
The role of women is limited - they don't read scripture aloud in church. The highest rank a woman can hold in the church is a Deacon. They can also be nuns, members of parish councils, and contribute to the church in other non-public ways. They can teach children or other women but they do not teach men.
While most Copts live in Egypt, there are over a million members of the church outside of Egypt; many living and worshiping in the United States. I visited the St. Philopateer Coptic Orthodox Church in Richardson, Texas Their Liturgy is formal and traditional and lasts almost 3 hours. Modern day worship services strive to follow the same services that were held in the first century. They ask that all congregants respect the presence of God by dressing modestly and that women cover their heads (I Corinthians 11:5) during the Liturgy service. They have head scarves available at the entrance of the church. Many of the head coverings have the Coptic cross or a picture of their Pope printed on it. The men sit on the right side of the sanctuary and the women on the left. Entrance to the seating is made from the outer side of the aisles and the center aisle is avoided out of respect. At the front were deacons, bishops, and altar boys who assisted in the service.
Church started at 8:30, but not many people were there at the beginning. They filtered in throughout the service. By the time communion was given, the sanctuary was very full.
May Good Will and Peace fill your Lives! ~ 1 Peter 1:2
بِمُقْتَضَى عِلْمِ اللهِ الآبِ السَّابِقِ، فِي تَقْدِيسِ الرُّوحِ لِلطَّاعَةِ، وَرَشِّ دَمِ يَسُوعَ الْمَسِيحِ. لِتُكْثَرْ لَكُمُ النِّعْمَةُ وَالسَّلاَمُ.
The liturgical text and directions were projected on an overhead screen in three languages - English, Coptic, and Arabic. Most of the Service was in the Coptic language. The Nicene Creed and sermon were spoken in English. The Abba, or Priest, offered the incense to the altar and gave Communion. Other members of the religious team, bishops and deacons, performed the liturgy chants and sermon.
The sermon talked about the main goals of faith and religion:
- To bring us and others back to Christ
- To use our Time, Talents, & Tithes to -
- Bring People to God
- Serve God
- Honor God
Draw on God and All Things are Possible
At the conclusion of the Liturgy, the Communion was given. There are many preparations that one must do to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist or Holy Communion. Only someone baptized from one of the Oriental Orthodox/Non-Chalcedonian Churches may partake of their Holy Communion. Anyone who comes after the Bible reading during the service, should not partake. To receive Communion, the women lined up on the right of the building and the men on the left. People should remove their shoes when approaching the altar for any reason, including Communion. As they reached the entrance to the side room where communion was given, they were handed a handkerchief. The sacrament is placed directly in their mouth then they cover their mouths with the handkerchief until they swallow the sacrament.
After Holy Communion, the ‘Prayer After Holy Communion’ is read and a prayer of thanksgiving offered to God.
The rituals are far greater than I can even begin to explain here. It was a fascinating service to experience. I found it very similar in structure to the Greek Orthodox Church.
THANK YOU St. Philopateer Coptic Orthodox Church for allowing me to witness your ancient, sacred service.
