Though Egyptian Copts are located primarily in, you guessed it, Egypt, they are spread throughout many countries of the world. There are a large number of Copts in the U.S., Canada, and Sudan. There are a considerable amount living in Libya, France, England, and Australia as well. Smaller numbers of Copts can be found in Mexico, Russia, Norway, Germany, Italy, Kenya, South Africa, and New Zealand.
Originally, the Copts were not too keen on moving out of their homeland. However, they had to face the fact that there were many more opportunities for them elsewhere. The Copts moved to the United States because of the education programs offered by the country. A number moved here and eventually their families followed. Soon, the United States built many more Coptic churches to accomodate the newly emerging group.
Bellaire, Texas
They moved to Canada as well, where more churches were built (Five in Ontario, one in Alberta, three in Quebec, and one in British Columbia).
Ottawa, ON, Canada
Christianity began in Africa because of European and American missionaries who traveled there. Not only have Coptic priests come from Egypt, but now Kenyans are getting ordained themselves. The Copts happened upon Australia after immigration became something of an issue in other areas. The beginning of the migration to Australia was in 1964, but in 1969, they really began to emerge. As they settled on the eastern side of the continent, their numbers climbed to around 35,000. The first Coptic church to form in Australia was dedicated to Saint Mark and was built in Sydney. As of 1989, fourteen more churches were constructed. The first German Coptic church came to be in March of 1975, called the Coptic Orthodox Church of Saint Mark. The Coptic population was growing, so Pope Shenouda III obliged. This church was led by Father Salib Suryal in the city of Frankfurt. Germany now has seven Coptic churches. Like those who ended up in the United States, many Egyptian Copts moved to Britain in pursuit of an education and remained there once they saw all of the opportunities there for them. England received its first Coptic church in 1976.
