Q&A Home > C > Coptic Church

I have an earnest desire to learn more of the Coptic Orthodox Church. I was taught by my Elders that the Coptic Church of Egypt/Ethiopia is the oldest. I have so many questions regarding Doctrine, the Papacy, Apostolic Succession, the differences between the Coptic Orthodoxy of Egypt and that of Ethiopia. Also, what is the difference between the other Orthodox Communions accepted by Rome; and does Pope Benedict XVI recognize Pope Shenouda III? I would appreciate it if you could direct me to a list of books would answer my questions, clear up my inquiries.

I am glad that you are interested in our Coptic Orthodox Church. Founded by St. Mark the apostle in the year 63 A.D, the Coptic Church is one of the earliest churches in the world. The Coptic and the Ethiopian Churches are sister Churches, both being members of the Oriental family of Churches also known as the non-Chalcedonian Churches.

Pope Benedict recognizes H.H. Pope Shenouda as the Pope and Patriarch of the See of Alexandria.

To familiarize yourself with the history of the Coptic Church I recommend you read 'Introduction to the Coptic Church'. This book is available online at        http://www.copticchurch.net/topics/thecopticchurch/index.html.

"Comparative Theology" by H.H. Pope Shenouda is an excellent book to read about our faith and compare it to that of other denominations. Read it online at
http://tasbeha.org/content/hh_books/Comptheo/index.html.

To read about the dogma of our Church check http://suscopts.org/literature/.
Some very helpful books are also online at http://www.copticchurch.net/topics/pope/index.html#books.