The Coptic Faith
Discover the ancient apostolic tradition founded by Saint Mark the Evangelist — a faith that has endured for over 2,000 years.
Founded by Saint Mark the Apostle
The Coptic Orthodox Church was founded by Saint Mark the Evangelist — author of the second Gospel — who brought the Christian faith to Alexandria, Egypt, around 42 AD. This makes it one of the earliest established Christian communities in the world, predating most other Christian traditions by centuries.
Through centuries of martyrdom, persecution, and faithfulness, the Coptic Church has preserved the full deposit of the apostolic faith — its theology, liturgy, spiritual practices, and the ancient Coptic language — unchanged to this day.
A Legacy Through the Ages
Core Beliefs of the Coptic Faith
The Coptic Orthodox Church holds firmly to the ancient Nicene Creed and the full deposit of apostolic faith
The Holy Trinity
We believe in one God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — three Persons in one Divine nature, co-equal, co-eternal, and consubstantial, as proclaimed at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD.
The Incarnation of Christ
We confess that Jesus Christ, the Eternal Son of God, took on full human nature — born of the Virgin Mary — uniting the divine and human in one inseparable Person, without confusion or separation.
Death, Resurrection & Ascension
Christ died on the cross for our sins, rose bodily on the third day, and ascended into heaven — defeating death and opening the way of salvation to all who believe.
The Holy Church
We believe in the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church — the Body of Christ — which carries the fullness of truth and the means of grace from the apostles to the present day.
Holy Scripture
The Holy Bible is the inspired, authoritative Word of God. Scripture is read, proclaimed, and lived in the context of Holy Tradition, the living memory of the Church.
Resurrection & Eternal Life
We look forward to the bodily resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, and eternal life in communion with the Holy Trinity — the ultimate hope of every Coptic Christian.
The Seven Holy Sacraments
Through the sacraments, God's grace is communicated visibly in the life of every believer
Baptism
The sacrament of rebirth, washing away original sin and uniting the believer to Christ and His Church.
Chrismation
The anointing with holy oil, sealing the gift of the Holy Spirit upon the newly baptized.
Eucharist
The Holy Communion — the Body and Blood of Christ — the center and summit of the Divine Liturgy and the Christian life.
Priesthood
The ordination of deacons, priests, and bishops — stewards of the sacraments and shepherds of God's people.
Matrimony
The holy union of man and woman, a sacramental covenant that reflects Christ's love for His Church.
Confession
The sacrament of repentance and absolution — healing the soul and restoring our relationship with God.
Unction of the Sick
The anointing of the sick with holy oil, bringing healing of body and soul through Christ's compassion.
Living Tradition
The sacraments are not merely rituals — they are divine encounters that sustain the life of faith every day.
The Coptic Divine Liturgy
The Coptic Divine Liturgy is among the oldest acts of Christian worship in the world. At Saint Mark, we celebrate the Divine Liturgies of Saint Basil, Saint Gregory, and Saint Cyril — a profound, multi-sensory experience of heaven on earth, drawing worshippers into the eternal presence of God through prayer, incense, ancient hymns, and the Holy Eucharist.
The liturgy unfolds over several hours, weaving together readings from the Epistles, the Acts, the Synaxarion, and the Gospels, intercessory prayers for all humanity, and the Eucharistic offering of the bread and vine — which we believe become the true Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ancient Coptic Hymns
Millennia-old melodies sung in Coptic, Arabic, and English throughout the liturgy
Holy Eucharist
The Body and Blood of Christ — the source and summit of Coptic worship and Christian life
Scripture Proclamation
Readings from the Epistle, Acts, Synaxarion, and Gospel proclaimed in every Divine Liturgy
Join Us for the Divine Liturgy
Experience the beauty of 2,000 years of unbroken worship. All are welcome to attend our services at Saint Mark.
Explore the Ancient Faith
Whether you're new to Coptic Christianity or deepening your faith, we invite you to worship with us and discover the richness of our 2,000-year tradition.