The Coptic Church Before the Council of Chalcedon The Copts under the Roman Persecution Roman State and the Egyptian Christians: The Roman emperors concentrated on the Christians in Egypt because: 1.The success of the Church of Alexandria and its School in attracting even philosophers to the new faith. 2.Alexandria represented a vital center that provided the Roman Capital with products. For this reason the Emperors were afraid of any revolution in Egypt. 3. The courage of the Egyptians and their sincere desire to attain the crowns of martyrdom.

The Copts and Martyrdom The Copts insisted on starting their calendar by at the beginning of the reign of Diocletian, in 248 AD, calling it “Anno Martyri, “ for during his reign the church gained numerous martyrs. About the 11 th of September of every year we celebrate the commencement of a new Coptic year, calling it “Feast of El- Nayrouz,” in which we celebrate the Feast of Martyrs as a spiritual preparation for starting a new year. The Church of Alexandria has show the world its unique understanding of the concept of martyrdom.

The Church does not consider martyrdom as death or something terrible, but rather a new birth which is an entry to paradise. 1.Martyrdom, in fact is a daily practice which every believer should experience, even if there is no persecution, even if he lives in a monastery or as a hermit or pilgrim. Martyrdom is the continuous participation in Jesus’ crucifixion. St. Clement of Alexandria gives the name “martyr” to the true Christian who has achieved ordinary union with God. 2.Martyrdom is a supreme conflict with satan. 3. Martyrdom is looked upon as the way of transfiguration of the Crucified and Risen Christ in the life of each of us. For Christ Himself suffers in His martyrs.

The Copts & the Roman Persecutions The Historians call our church “The Church of Martyrs,” not only because of the numerous martyrs in our Church, but because of the ardent desire that her members had shown for martyrdom. The waves of persecution in Egypt began from the first century when the Apostle St. Mark was martyred by the enraged pagan populace, while the ruler was silent. Historical sources were silent regarding the persecution that occurred in Egypt until the consecration of the twelfth Patriarch, Demetrius (68 – 118 A.D) Diocletian believed that the head of the serpent was in Egypt and that if he could crush it, he could more easily annihilate Christianity in the whole empire. In all about Christians were put to the sword in Egypt.

Examples of Martyrs Through the waves of persecution, many spiritual leaders devoted themselves to strengthen the martyrs and confessors. They visited the prisons and kept their company during their trials, or even o the place of their execution. Some virtuous men not only dept the martyrs’ company but dared to take their holy bodies or relics, and wrote the biography of their trial and martyrdom as eye-witnesses which are called “Acts of Martyrs”. A few examples of these martyrs are: St. Theodore the virgin St. Refka St. Catherine St. Arianus, the Ruler of Antoinie The Thebaean Legion

The Coptic Church and the Monastic Movement An Evangelic Asceticism The Coptic church is known by her ascetic attitudes, not only because it was their the monastic movements started, but because these attitudes represent characteristics of her life of worship. These attitudes have an evangelic base. 1-For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? (Mathew 16:26) 2-Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor... And come, follow Me” (Luke 18:22) a- First is must / b- Second is a choice 3-But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified (1Cor 9: 27)

The Ascetic Life and the World to Come The ancient Egyptians believed in the so-called “resurrection” When the Egyptians were converted to Christianity their longing for the world to come increased. The Concept of the Coptic Asceticism Asceticism, in the Coptic Church, is not a goal in itself that believers desire to attain, but it is a practical response to divine love. Our Lord gave Himself on our behalf and we in turn long to give ourselves a loving-sacrifice for God’s sake. We abstain from temporary pleasures as a sign of our internal desire to enjoy the divine delight through the new life in Jesus Christ.

Asceticism and Church Life 1- The effects of the ascetic life on the Coptic Church is very clear in her worship: they hymns are lengthy but very sweet and soul-comforting, the fasts are long and many. 2- Her martyrs are innumerable 3-The spiritual ascetic thought had its own effect on the Alexandrian theology, because it has a soteriological attitude (The theological doctrine of salvation as effected by Jesus)

Asceticism and Church Life 4- The ascetic life prepared the way to the monastic movement in all its forms: monarchism, coenobitic and communal systems. The Egyptian understanding of the monarchism is not isolation from men but as unity with God.

The Monastic Movement In Egypt, all monastic forms started in the fourth century to re-attract the heart of the Church to the inner life, after the country had accepted Christianity and the Emperor had opened his for to bishops and priests. In the Apostolic age, many believers practiced asceticism, to enjoy the perfect life as it came in the Gospel.

The Monastic Movement The eschatological attitude of the church flamed the believers’ longing for the Bridegrooms’ advent. On this base some believers preferred to live in virginity and devote all their time to worship, as a spiritual preparation for the heavenly wedding feast. Some felt the need for a spiritual atmosphere. Women lived together in a house to assist one another spiritually. Men preferred to leave the cities to live in simple huts in villages. These were called “devotees”. Others escaped to the deserts thirsting for the angelic life

The three forms of Monasticism 1- The Monarchist System was established by St. Anthony the Great. 2- The Coenobitic System was establish by St. Pachomius because he was aware that the anchoric order was not fit for all those who desired the monastic life. 3- The Communal system was established by St. Macari the great and St. Amoun. (Groups) Women Monastic movement started side by side with that of the men.

Next Week *Some Examples Of Monastic Leaders *Egyptians Monasticism And The Christian World