Coptic Orthodox: Co-Existence & Modern Times

Back to the history lesson. Where we left off was during the Byzantine Era when Coptic Christians were persecuted for their Non-Chaledon beliefs. ( Note: In present day, there is no longer a division between the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox)

CO-EXISTENCE

We are roughly around the 6th century.  During this time period, Egypt was conquered and re-conquered multiple times by the Persian Empire and Byzantine Empire.  Eventually, Byzantine gave up in its attempts to reconquer Egypt and the Persian Empire claimed the land. During this process, Islam was introduced to Egypt in 639 AD.

Initially, there was great tolerance for the Coptic Christians under the Persian rule because the Coptics were native to the land. But gradually, as the centuries passed leaders began to heavily tax Coptics in comparison to their Muslim counterparts. Naturally, this forced a large number of conversion by merchants and the wealthy to Islam. By the end of the 12th Century, the once largely Christian region became Muslim.

Then, the Ottoman Empire happened. I wished I could leave it at that but that would cut a huge part of history considering that the empire lasted from 1299 - 1922 (1923?) and is considered the longest ruling empire. Though are many things that happened during the span of 6 centuries; one of the most important things to note was the expansion of knowledge in reference to science, art and literature.

In our modern day, we owe much to the discovers under the Ottoman Empire. For example: In 1577 Taqi al-Din opened an observatory in Istanbul which allowed for star gazing and discovery until it was closed in 1580 due to politics. Taqi also proved that color was due to the refraction and reflection of light the object produced.

Under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, Christians and Jews were allowed religious freedom, however, they were treated as second class citizens. It is said that Christians were not allowed to carry weapons or have their homes in certain proximities to Muslim homes. It was very similar to how Black people were treated in America until they attained equal civil rights. So because of this inequality, many Christians and Jews converted to Islam in order to obtain equal treatment.

When the Ottoman Empire was finally dissolved in 1922, Egypt was granted Independence on February 22, 1922.

MODERN TIMES

The Republic of Egypt is still a fairly new democracy, so it is understandable that much political and religious turmoil continues to be seen. For the Coptic Christians in a land that is predominantly Islamic, this has and remains to be a constant struggle. But somehow their faith in God helps them to persevere through the indifference.

And that's it! Just kidding there is much to be discussed but that will be revealed in later entries. For example the Popes. In case you were unaware, the Coptic Orthodox Pope of Alexandria is different from the Roman Catholic Pope.

From my brief overview of the Coptic Christians History and their struggles, I am truly at a lost for words. For a religion so beautifully written by those before; more Coptic Christians should speak of their faith instead of shrouding it in darkness.

NEXT: More about my experience at St. Paul.

Many Blessings.
Linda

Photo:
The Coptic Cross is tattooed on the inner part of the wrist of many Egyptians living in Egypt to show defiance to the largely Muslim population. I didn't realize the strength it took to be a Coptic Christian until I saw an elderly man a few weeks ago at church with the Coptic Cross tattooed on both of his wrist.