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The Coptic Heritage
The Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt:
The Term “Coptic” is derived from the Greek “Aigyptios”, meaning “Egyptian”. When the Arabs arrived in Egypt in the Seventh Century, they called the Egyptians “Qibt”. Thus, the Arabic word “Qibt” came to mean both “Egyptian” and “Christian.”
The term “Orthodox” refers to the preservation of the “Original Faith” by the Copts who, throughout the ages, defended the Old Creed against the numerous attacks aimed at it.
The Coptic Church was established in the name of Jesus Christ by St. Mark the Evangelist in the City of Alexandria in the year 48 A.D. The Church adheres to the Nicene Creed. St. Athanasius (296-373), the twentieth Pope of the Coptic Church, ably defended the Doctrine of Christ’s Divinity at the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. His affirmation of this Doctrine earned him the titles: “Father of Orthodoxy” and “St. Athanasius, the Apostolic.”
The Coptic Church believes in The Holy Trinity: God The Father, God The Son and God The Holy Spirit, as equal to each other, in one unity; and that Jesus Christ is the only Savior of the world. Less change has taken place in the Church of Egypt than in any other, both in ritual and doctrine, and that the succession of Coptic Patriarchs, bishops, priests, and deacons has been continuous.
The Coptic Church recognizes Seven Sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Communion, Penance, Marriage, Unction of the Sick, and Holy Orders.
The Copts pride themselves on the Apostolicity of their Church and on the fact that Egypt is the only land in the world to be honored and blessed by a long visit by the Holy Family.
The Copts, also, pride themselves on their Egyptian Saints, theologians, and scholars, who have always been counted among the most distinguished figures of the Christian Church: Clement A.D. 211; Origen A.D. 185; Anthony A.D. 250; Pachomius A.D. 290; Athanasius A.D. 296; Macarius A.D. 300; Cyril A.D. 377; etc., etc.
The Orthodox Christians of Egypt, the Sudan, Armenia a part of Syria and India, and Ethiopia are the main followers of the Creed of the Coptic Orthodox Church. More and more are joining the Creed in other places, particularly in Africa and Europe.
The number of the Coptic Church members in Egypt alone is approximately 12,000,000. There are about 200,000 Coptic immigrants in the U.S.A. and Canada.
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III is the 117th Successor of St. Mark the Evangelist. He was enthroned Pope of Alexandria on the 14th of November, 1971.
St. Mark Coptic Orthodix Church:
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III laid the Cornerstone of the Church May 1, 1977. The actual building began October 24, 1978 and completed May, 1979.
The first celebration of the Eucharist took place on May 8, 1979, which is the Feast Day of St. Mark the Evangelist.
The Church serves the Coptic Congregation in the Entire State of Michigan, as well as, the Copts in Windsor, Canada.
Services are held Saturday evening and Sunday Morning. An all English Liturgy is celebrated the First Saturday of each month. Also Sunday School Servant meetings, Deacon hymn lessons in Coptic, Arabic and English, and Sunday School for toddlers, Children, youth, and young couples are held at the Church Saturday and Sunday. Special classes for English and Arabic Bible Studies, Senior Citizen activities, camps, conventions, retreats, and a festival are part of a year round program.
On October 12, 1994, His Holiness consecrated St. Mary and St. George’s Alter. On the same day, His Holiness laid the cornerstone for a new Church, to include a Sunday School activities area with a gymnasium, youth resource structure and their supporting offices.
Today, serving the Church from 1991 to the present time is Archpriest Fr. Mina D. Essak.
Information supplied by St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church pamphlet.
St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church 3603 Livernois Avenue Troy, Michigan 48084 (248) 689-9099 |