Pope Shenouda lecture about the coptic church at christ church at canterbury University
The Coptic Orthodox Church – Its History and Spiritual Role
1. Introduction
His Holiness began by thanking the University of Canterbury, presenting his lecture on the Coptic Orthodox Church, an ancient apostolic church founded by St. Mark the Evangelist in the first century, inheriting the civilization and wisdom of ancient Egypt.
2. Prophecy about the Coptic Church
He explained that the Coptic Church is the only church among the nations prophesied about in the Old Testament, in Isaiah 19:
“In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the midst of Egypt… Blessed be Egypt, My people.”
This prophecy foretold the coming of Christian worship in Egypt and declared it a blessed nation in God’s plan.
3. The Holy Family in Egypt
The Holy Family—Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and St. Joseph—fled to Egypt by divine command, fulfilling the prophecy:
“Out of Egypt I called My Son.”
They lived there for about three and a half years, and wherever they went, idols were destroyed, and later churches and monasteries were built on those blessed sites.
4. Apparition of the Virgin Mary
He recalled the apparition of the Virgin Mary in Zeitoun, Cairo (1968), witnessed by hundreds of thousands amid radiant light and miracles — a sign of divine grace over Egypt.
5. The School of Alexandria
He highlighted the Catechetical School of Alexandria, the first theological school in the world, founded by St. Mark. It produced renowned teachers like Clement, Origen, and Demetrius, and its library was a center of ancient learning.
6. Egyptian Monasticism
Monasticism began in Egypt with St. Anthony the Great, the first monk, and St. Pachomius, the founder of communal monastic life. From Egypt, monasticism spread to Syria, Greece, and Europe, making the Coptic Church the Mother of Monasticism.
7. St. Athanasius and Theology
He praised St. Athanasius, who defended the divinity of Christ at the Council of Nicaea (325 AD) and composed the Nicene Creed, affirming belief in the Trinity. The Coptic Church teaches that Christ’s divinity and humanity are united in one nature of the Incarnate Word.
8. Coptic Fathers and Church Canons
He mentioned St. Cyril of Alexandria, who led the Council of Ephesus (431 AD), and other Coptic fathers whose writings and canons influenced the universal church.
9. Church of the Martyrs
Egypt is called the Church of Martyrs, for thousands gave their lives for Christ—some entire cities. The Coptic calendar even begins with the Era of the Martyrs (284 AD) in their honor.
10. Education and Pastoral Care
The Coptic Church continues her mission through Sunday Schools, youth ministry, and care for emigrant communities, while preserving apostolic tradition unchanged, described by scholars as a living museum of early Christianity.
11. Conclusion
His Holiness concluded with gratitude, affirming Egypt’s divine blessing:
“Blessed be Egypt, My people,”
and inviting all Christians to unity in love and faith.
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