The Coptic Church

[CICCIO]

What if anything does anyone here know about the Coptic Church. Im writing a research paper in Apologetics.

Edited March 3, 2004 by CICCIO

[Adeodatus]

Ciccio, are you the same as oiccic? Hmmm, strangely palindromic....

I can't say much about the Coptic Orthodox Church because I'm not a Copt, and answers here must be brief.

The Copts are one of the 4 so called non-Chalcedonian Churches. They have apostolic succession, and valid sacraments---all seven. They are an ancient Church that looks to St Mark (Peter's scribe and disciple) as their founder. Their language (Coptic) is related to ancient Egyptian. Their patriarch is called a 'Pope' because this is an early title of chief bishops. In the early Church the word 'pope' (which means 'father') was applied to more than just the bishops of Rome.

The Coptic Church has historically been accused of being 'Monophysite'. This is a derogatory term, and strictly speaking it is inaccurate. They were often interpreted as saying that Christ has only 1 nature, whereas the orthodox view is that Christ is 1 person in 2 natures. But this is a great oversimplification. Personally I think they ought to be called 'Miaphysite' (which can be understood in an orthodox sense) but that's a long story.

The Catholic Church has signed many agreements with the Coptic Church, including a Common Christological Declaration. You can view them here: [url="http://www.prounione.urbe.it/dia-int/oo-rc_copt/e_oo-rc_copt-info.html"]Catholic-Coptic Agreements[/url]