c. 45
Evangelist St. Mark brings Christian message to Egypt.
c. 68
St. Mark killed in Alexandria by Roman soldiers.
c. 284
The beginning of the Coptic Calendar of Martyrs, established
to commemorate those killed under Diocletan the Roman
Emperor.
c. 327-373
Copt St. Athanasius is church head in Alexandria, authors the
Nicene Creed still used in many Christian churches.
c. 451
The Council of Chalcedon breaks with Coptic Church,
accused of believing a heretical interpretation of Christ’s
nature.
c. 641
The first Arab invasion of Egypt.
c. 750-935
Muslim rule of the Abbasid Dynasties. Copts face new laws
as non- Muslims, but generally prosper.
c. 1000
The first bi- lingual Coptic-Arabic liturgical manuscripts start
to appear. Copts begin to see restrictions in repairing or
building churches, and pay a protection tax imposed on non-
Muslims.
1054
Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches separate;
Copts already are separated from both.
c. 1100-1200
Crusaders invade Mediterranean and Middle East, uniting
Copts and Muslims in Egypt against a common enemy.
1855
Copts stop paying protection tax, are allowed to serve in
Egyptian army for first time.
1893
Catechetical School of Alexandria re-established.
1919
Egyptian Revolution.
Source: The Coptic Network’s “The Christian Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt.”
