The Coptic Orthodox Church was established in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ by St. Mark the Evangelist in the city of Alexandria, Egypt (43 A.D.). The Orthodox Church adheres to the Nicene Creed: St. Athanasius (296–373 A.D.), the twentieth Pope of the Coptic Church, effectively defended the Doctrine of the Lord Jesus Christ's Divinity at the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D. His affirmation of the doctrine earned him the titles St. Athanasius "the Apostolic" and "Father of Orthodoxy.”

The term "Coptic" is derived from the Greek word "Aigyptos" meaning "Egyptian." When the Arabs arrived in Egypt in the seventh century, they named the Egyptians "qibt." The Arabic word "qibt" thus signifies both "Egyptians" and "Christians.” Copts pride themselves on the Apostolicity of their Church, while Egypt is the only nation to be honored and blessed by the visit of the Holy Family.

The term "Orthodoxy" refers to the preservation of the "Original Faith" by the Copts who, throughout the ages, have defended the Old Creed against numerous attacks.

Orthodox Christians believe that the Holy Trinity: God, the Father; God, the Son; and God, the Holy Spirit are equal in one accord; and that the Lord Jesus Christ is the sole Savior of the world.

For more information on the Coptic Orthodox Church, please browse the following links:

+  Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern US: http://www.suscopticdiocese.org/

+  Official Site of H.H. Pope Shenouda III: http://www.copticpope.org/

+  The Coptic Church: http://www.suscopticdiocese.org/stmaryatlanta/copticchurch.html

+  St. Mark, the Apostle (founder): http://www.suscopticdiocese.org/coptic/saintmark.html

+  Book of the Hours: http://www.agpeya.org/

+  Evangelism: http://www.suscopticdiocese.org/stmaryatlanta/evangelism/index.html

+  Orthodox Literature: http://www.suscopticdiocese.org/literature.html

+  Orthodox Q&A: http://www.suscopticdiocese.org/q&a/

+  Hymns: http://www.coptichymns.net/

+  Coptic.org: http://www.coptic.org/

+  Mighty Arrows Magazine: http://www.suscopticdiocese.org/mightyarrows/

+  Ask a Copt: http://www.mycopticchurch.com/ask/Directory.cfm