Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States
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Who or what is the "One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church?" Is this only the Coptic Orthodox Church? Is the Syrian Orthodox Church also considered part of this group? Are the Chalcedonians considered part of this? In essence, what qualifies one for being part of the Greater Church the Nicene Creed speaks of?

When we, Copts, recite the Creed, we remember the Holy Catholic Apostolic Church as it was during the days of the Second Ecumenical Council, the Council that met in Constantinople in 381. At this council the following part was added to the Nicene statement: "And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father; who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. In one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen".

At that time, there were no schisms in the church and all the churches represented at this council believed in the same dogmas. Today the churches that share the exact same doctrines with us are grouped under the Oriental churches. These include the Coptic, Armenian, Syrian, Ethiopian, Eritrean, and the Malankara Indian Churches). Believing in the sound doctrines and the apostolic succession is what qualify one for being part of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.
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