The Church before the Schism

In this lecture, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the early stages of the Coptic Orthodox Church before the schism of the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD, explaining the historical and spiritual development of the Church from St. Mark the Apostle up to the patriarchs who led it through the ecumenical periods.

1. The Foundation by St. Mark the Apostle

The Coptic Church began through the ministry of St. Mark in Alexandria, who preached Christ in Egypt and established the first apostolic see there. After him came great patriarchs who strengthened the faith and spread teaching.

2. The Fathers Before the Ecumenical Councils

His Holiness mentioned the early fathers of the Church before the councils, many of whom were professors of the Theological School of Alexandria, such as Justus, Eumenius, Markianus, Julianus, and Dionysius, who combined teaching with pastoral service.

3. The Theological School of Alexandria

The Pope affirmed that the School of Alexandria was a beacon of Christian thought, founded by St. Mark, and that great teachers such as Athenagoras, Pantaenus, Clement, Origen, and Didymus the Blind defended the faith and confronted pagan philosophies with faith and logic.

4. Evangelization Beyond Egypt

His Holiness explained that the Coptic Church was never confined within Egypt’s borders, but extended her mission to India, Yemen, Libya, and Asia Minor — showing the universal missionary spirit of the early Egyptian Church.

5. Pope Demetrius the Vine Dresser and His Contributions

The Pope explained that Pope Demetrius was among the most important patriarchs, as he established the Coptic calendar for determining Easter, which was adopted by the Council of Nicaea, and that God confirmed his holiness with miracles. He also wisely opposed Origen’s theological errors without personal hostility.

6. Pope Dionysius and the Refutation of Heresies

The Pope spoke about Pope Dionysius (the 14th patriarch), who faced persecutions from pagan emperors, wrote significant theological and pastoral letters, and refuted heresies such as Millennialism and Sabellianism, affirming the Orthodox faith in the Holy Trinity.

7. Spiritual Lessons from the Church’s History

The early history of the Coptic Church reveals deep faith, steadfastness in persecution, and commitment to the true doctrine. The Coptic Church has always been a church of teaching and martyrdom — living the Gospel through word, faith, and sacrifice.

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