Ethnicity

[blessedsuffering]

How important do you think ethnicity is in the Coptic churches? I want to visit one so badly but Coptic orthodox church websites always show the congregation as 100% Egyptian and I was wondering if I would feel like a cultural outcast at a Coptic service?

Thanks and the peace of Christ be with you.

 

[zhilan]

Hey. About two weeks ago I decided to visit the Coptic church near me. I was nervous for the same reason you are but then I sort of stepped back and realized that you know what, people are happy when you show interested in their religion and culture. What am I afraid of? Are they going to see me coming and say "You're not Egyptian! Get out!!" Of course not. People are happy and flattered that you have taken an interest in them. So I decided to go. I got there way early (the time on the webstie was wrong) but there was a baptism going on. I went up to a man standing in the lobby and told him I'd never been to a Coptic church before and asked him if there's anything I should do. He explained things to me, got me a veil (the women in Coptic churches cover their heads) and showed me where to sit. Once the service started a woman sitting behind me noticed I wasn't following along and came up and asked me if I'd like to follow along, showed me and told the woman next to me I was new. They lady next to me then explained as we went along what was going on. Afterwards she talked to me from awhile and told me I was always welcome there and should look for her if/when I come again. People were more than nice and it was a great experience. I plan to go again. I definately encourage you to go. And realize that your self-conscienceness is on your part, not theirs. They will most likely recognize you're not Coptic, but they'll be thrilled your there.

A few pointers when you go:

- Dress up. I wore a skirt and long sleeves and I was really happy I did. Everyone will be dressed formally so you'll feel much more at ease if you are too.

- Wear comfortable shoes!! The service is about 2 1/2 - 3 hours long and you will be standing almost the entire time.

I hope you go. I think you'll really enjoy it.

 

[blessedsuffering]

Hey. About two weeks ago I decided to visit the Coptic church near me. I was nervous for the same reason you are but then I sort of stepped back and realized that you know what, people are happy when you show interested in their religion and culture. What am I afraid of? Are they going to see me coming and say "You're not Egyptian! Get out!!" Of course not. People are happy and flattered that you have taken an interest in them. So I decided to go. I got there way early (the time on the webstie was wrong) but there was a baptism going on. I went up to a man standing in the lobby and told him I'd never been to a Coptic church before and asked him if there's anything I should do. He explained things to me, got me a veil (the women in Coptic churches cover their heads) and showed me where to sit. Once the service started a woman sitting behind me noticed I wasn't following along and came up and asked me if I'd like to follow along, showed me and told the woman next to me I was new. They lady next to me then explained as we went along what was going on. Afterwards she talked to me from awhile and told me I was always welcome there and should look for her if/when I come again. People were more than nice and it was a great experience. I plan to go again. I definately encourage you to go. And realize that your self-conscienceness is on your part, not theirs. They will most likely recognize you're not Coptic, but they'll be thrilled your there.

A few pointers when you go:

- Dress up. I wore a skirt and long sleeves and I was really happy I did. Everyone will be dressed formally so you'll feel much more at ease if you are too.

- Wear comfortable shoes!! The service is about 2 1/2 - 3 hours long and you will be standing almost the entire time.

I hope you go. I think you'll really enjoy it.

Thanks so much I do plan to go this summer when im in Atlanta. One thing is: I have massive ankle injuries from a car accident and cannot stand for long perods of time...will they have chairs available for those who cannot stand the whole time?

 

[copticorthodoxy]

Thanks so much I do plan to go this summer when im in Atlanta. One thing is: I have massive ankle injuries from a car accident and cannot stand for long perods of time...will they have chairs available for those who cannot stand the whole time?

We welcome any one to visit our Coptic Orthodox Churches at any place in the world , yes ofcourse there are chairs in the churches ( we sit during some parts in the liturgy )

 

[minasoliman]

Thanks so much I do plan to go this summer when im in Atlanta. One thing is: I have massive ankle injuries from a car accident and cannot stand for long perods of time...will they have chairs available for those who cannot stand the whole time?

Please do not be discouraged to sit down even if everyone else is standing whenever you can't stand for too long. Your condition is understandable.

And while most Copts are Egyptians, the Coptic Church is not ethnically exclusive. The Church is growing to include and perhaps slowly adapt to the culture we live in now. We have many active non-Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Christians around the world, including even a priest in California by the name of Fr. Bishoy Brownfield (the last name is a clue that he's not Egyptian)

God bless you.

Mina