AS AN APOSTOLIC CHURCH
FR. TADROS Y. MALATY
[../Contains/GoogleSq_Ad.htm]
TERM "COPTS"1
The term "Copts" is equivalent to the word "Egyptians." It is derived from the Greek "Aigyptos," which in turns is derived from the ancient Egyptian "Ha-ka-Ptah," i.e. "the house of the spirit of Ptah," a most highly revered deity in Egyptian mythology. From the Arab conquest and until today, this term refers to the Christian Egyptians to distinguish them from the native Muslims.
SONS OF PHARAOHS2
The Copts as the successors of the ancient Egyptians are defined as the modern sons of the Pharaohs. They played an essential role in the whole Christian world, especially during the first five centuries.
Their religious background helped them to accept
Christianity with eagerness and to enjoy its depth through
their ascetic life, meditation and studying of the holy
scripture.
In this topic we wish to throw some light on the ancient Egyptian culture and how it reacted towards the new Christian faith.
1. Their religious background:
It is well-known that
ancient Egyptians have been religiously minded by nature
and upbringing since the very early
times3. Herodotus states
that "The Egyptians are religious
to excess, far beyond any
other race of men." Their
religious curiosity was satisfied by
the Christian faith that puts no
limits to spiritual progress, for
it raises the believers towards
the bosom of the Father that
they might enjoy the likeness of
God, fast communion with
Him and acknowledgment of the
eternal divine mysteries.
2. Their high scientific background:
Modern science
achieved unceasing progress, particularly in the last century.
Many of the ancient Egyptians' scientific work which took
place thousands of years before Christ are still considered to
be obscure secrets; for example the pyramids with their
scientific wonder and mysteries, the art of embalming, the art
of carving, colored painting on walls etc.. All of these arts
are still under research to the extent that some believe that
the ancient Egyptians were working
under the guidance of
superhuman (coming from the outer space), or from other
stars. Some consider that man would have
conquered space
much earlier if the library of
Alexandria had not been burned,
which led to losing scientific secrets of great importance.
In any case, the fact is that the ancient Egyptians put their
scientific abilities at the disposal of the religious thinking
(such as the building of pyramids, embalming etc.). It had
influenced the Copts. They looked, to science not as an
enemy of religion or contrary to it, but that science acts in
favor of religion. Therefore, the School of Alexandria
opened its doors to the scholars and
philosophers, believing
that science and philosophy could
serve the true spiritual life.
3. Their religious dogmas:
a) Each major town in ancient Egypt used to recognize some kind of a triad. But these triads were too alien from the Christian Holy Trinity.
b) Their philosophers believed in One Supreme Being; the best example is king Ikhnaton (1383-1365 B.C.).
c) While the majority of the ancient civilizations were
preoccupied with the earthly life, seeking temporary
pleasures, the Egyptian mind was absorbed in the world to
come, and in the resurrection. When they were converted to
Christianity, they became involved in awaiting the advent of
the Risen Christ, through their lengthy hymns, excessive
fasting, enduring and suffering with joy. This eschatological
attitude has its effect on our worship, liturgies and even in
our daily life.
d) The Cross: Egyptians tended to identify the Cross with their own sign of eternal life, "the Ankh," which was held in the hands of the immortals such as gods and pharaohs. The "Ankh" sign took the shape of a cruciform with rounded tip, which was readily adopted and used by the Copts from the very early times.
e) In addition to this, the Egyptians seem to have had an idea of the unity of God, His eternity, His infinity, as well as His loving kindness4.
1. Murad Kamel: Coptic Egypt, ch. 1; A.S. Atiya: The Copts and Christian
Civilization,
1985, P1, 2.
2. Fr. Malaty: The Coptic Church, "Church of Alexandria," Melbourne 1978,1.
3. A. Atiya: History of Eastern Christianity, 1968, P20.
4. W. Budge: The dwellers of the Nile, P130,132.