When you have a culture as old as the Copts do, it can be difficult to preserve it throughout the generations. Things change, times change, people change. It is extremely important to feel connected to your roots. So, how have the Copts managed to survive for 2,000 years?
The Catechetical School of Alexandria was founded by Mark the Apostle and is the oldest school of its kind. Students were educated by the religious scholars of the time (Athenagoras, Clement, Didymus, and Origen, who was discussed in a previous entry). It was shut down, but re-established in the year of 1893 under the new name of the Coptic Theological Seminary, with a variety of campuses in a wide range of locations, such as Alexandria, Cairo, New Jersey, and Los Angeles.
Copts continue to fight against the persecution they suffer and regularly protest for their religious freedom. They are the victims of many violent and brutal injustices by the Muslims, who represent the dominant religion in Egypt.
In 2002, Coptic Christmas, which is celebrated each year on January 7, was declared a National Holiday. Before this development, only Muslim holidays were recognized on a national level. This was a huge step for the validation of the Coptic faith.
A sense of tradition is important for the survival of the Coptic culture. Parents instill the teachings, values, and ideals in their children that were passed on to them. This is byfar the most important method of keeping their culture alive.
