Copts Influence On Egypt

The modern use of the word "Coptic" categorizes Egyptian Christians, as well as the last ancient Egyptian language that was spoken. Christianity began in Egypt about 55 A.D. making it one of the five oldest Christian churches in the world. Copts were established by John Mark, who was one of the 72 apostles that was sent by Jesus. He is author of the Gospel of Mark, also he was the founder and served as the first bishop. One of Mark's accomplishments was founding a school in Alexandria to spread the word about orthodox Christianity. By 180 A.D., this school was an established center of secular learning but also taught theology and spirituality. The church's theological school in Alexandria was restored in 1893. Since then, it has established

the Arab conquest was taking action and overthrowing the romans out of Egypt. the Egyptians lost their language and some of their culture due to the control and power the Arabs had over the land and had to conform to the Arab ways.at first it was a relief to the Copts when the Arabs took over because Muhammad had told his followers to keep peace with the Copts, so they were permitted to practice their religion but had to provide a "jizya" tax for protection. In the second millennium there was further restrictions hindered their worship and the tax increase. Because of these strict laws there was a huge impact on Copts. At that time a lot of people were forced to convert to Islam in fear of imprisonment if they could not pay tax to practice Christianity. Copts began converting to Islam, until the 12th century, Egypt was primarily a Muslim

The church teaches salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus. No other church matches the Coptic Church that fasts 210 out of the 365 days. Fasting helps us take our eyes off the things of this world has to offer and instead focus on Jesus. Fasting is a way to show to God and to prove to ourselves that we are serious about our relationship with Him. When fasting you cannot consume any meats or dairy products. Unless you were given permission by your father of confession and there are usually accommodations for people that are sick or weak. “Fasts include Advent, the Apostles’ Fast, the Virgin Saint Mary’s Fast, the Fast of the people of Nineveh, and Wednesdays (commemorating our Lord’s betrayal) and Fridays (commemorating His Crucifixion) throughout the year, except for the 50 joyful days following the feast of the Resurrection.” (The Book of Faith 98). The holy week is one of the holiest times of the year during lent also known as the “great fast “ is started off with pre-lent in which a person fasts for one week, followed by 40 days which is how many days Jesus fasted in the wilderness without food or water. After that is The Holy (passion) Week that was the last week for Jesus before he was crucified his life for the world on the cross, And after 3 days resurrected from the