Copt facts for kids
A Copt is a Christian person from Egypt. Most Copts today belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, which is a very old Christian church. They are an important part of Egypt's history and culture.
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Who Are the Copts?
Copts are the original people of Egypt who became Christian very early on. They are seen as the direct descendants of the ancient Egyptians. While most Egyptians today speak Arabic, the Coptic Church still uses the Coptic language in its prayers and services. This language is a direct link to the language of the pharaohs.
A Long History of Faith
The Coptic Church is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. It was founded by Saint Mark in the city of Alexandria in the 1st century AD. This means Christianity came to Egypt very soon after Jesus lived. For many centuries, most Egyptians were Christian.
Copts in Modern Egypt
Today, Copts are the largest Christian group in the Middle East. They make up about 10% of Egypt's population. They live all over Egypt, but many are found in cities like Cairo and Alexandria. Copts have contributed a lot to Egyptian society, including in art, music, and literature.
Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria
The Coptic Orthodox Church is led by a spiritual leader called the Pope of Alexandria. This Pope is also known as the Patriarch. The church has its own traditions, rituals, and calendar. Coptic Christians celebrate holidays like Christmas and Easter on different dates than many Western Christians.
Coptic Art and Architecture
Coptic art is famous for its beautiful icons, which are religious paintings. These icons often show saints and biblical scenes. Coptic churches are also known for their unique architecture, with designs that reflect ancient Egyptian and early Christian styles. Many old Coptic monasteries can be found in the deserts of Egypt.
Copts Around the World
Many Copts have moved to other countries over the years. This is known as the Coptic diaspora. You can find Coptic communities and churches in places like the United States, Canada, Australia, and countries in Europe. These communities help keep Coptic culture and faith alive outside of Egypt.
Images for kids
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Coptic icon of St. Mark
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The Hanging Church in Coptic Cairo.
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President Nasser welcomes a delegation of Coptic bishops (1965)
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Holy Virgin Mary Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Khartoum.
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St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Bellaire, Texas (Greater Houston). There are about 1–2 million Egyptian born Copts living outside of Egypt, and are known as the Coptic diaspora.
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Coptic and Arabic inscriptions in an Old Cairo church.
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Halim El-Dabh at a Cleveland festival in 2009.
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See also
In Spanish: Copto para niños
