About Us
The History of one of the oldest Churches in the World!
The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, tracing its foundation back to St. Mark the Evangelist, who brought Christianity to Egypt around AD 42. According to Coptic tradition, St. Mark preached in Alexandria, where he established the first Christian community in Egypt and became its first bishop. He was later martyred there for his faith.
From the very beginning, the Coptic Church played a central role in Christian theology, education, and monasticism. The School of Alexandria was one of the most important centres of Christian learning in the early centuries, producing great theologians like Clement of Alexandria, Origen, St. Athanasius the Apostolic, and St. Cyril of Alexandria.
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The Church firmly upheld the divinity of Christ during the early ecumenical councils. In particular, St. Athanasius was instrumental in defending the faith against Arianism at the Council of Nicaea (AD 325). Later, at the Council of Chalcedon (AD 451), the Coptic Church rejected the definition of Christ as being in two natures, maintaining instead that Christ is "one united nature out of two"—divine and human—a stance known as Miaphysitism. This theological disagreement led to a split between the Oriental Orthodox Churches (including the Coptic Church) and the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.
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Despite centuries of persecution under various regimes, the Coptic Orthodox Church remained resilient. One of its most profound contributions to global Christianity was the development of monasticism. St. Anthony the Great, an Egyptian, is recognized as the Father of Monasticism, and the monastic life flourished in the Egyptian desert through figures like St. Pachomius and St. Macarius the Great.
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Today, the Coptic Orthodox Church is led by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, the 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark. The Church continues to grow in Egypt and around the world, preserving its ancient liturgical traditions, deep theology, and strong spiritual life.
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It is estimated that there are 15 million Coptic Orthodox Christians worldwide, with the vast majority residing in Egypt, and growing diaspora communities across North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Our Faith
The Coptic Orthodox Creed is a declaration of the core beliefs of the Church — handed down from the early Church Fathers and affirmed through centuries of Christian tradition. It is recited during every Divine Liturgy and reflects the unshakable faith of the Church in the Holy Trinity, the Incarnation, and the promise of eternal life.
We believe in one God, God the Father the Pantocrator, Who created heaven and earth, and all things, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-Begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages,
Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not created; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and of the Virgin Mary, and became man.
And He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, suffered and was buried. And on the third day He rose from the dead, according to the Scriptures. Ascended into the heavens; He sits at the right hand of His Father.
And He shall come again in His glory to judge the living and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end. Yes, we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And in one holy, catholic (universal), and apostolic Church.
We confess one baptism for the remission of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead,and the life of the age to come.
Amen.
Meet our Reverend Father's
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Priest
Fr. Bishoy El Antony
Reverend Fr. Bishoy El Antony is a widely respected Coptic Orthodox priest, monk, author, and media leader. He previously served as the Managing Director at CYC, Christian Youth Channel, overseeing global media production, staff, and studios across the United States, Australia, and beyond. He is also one of the parish Priest's for our Coptic church in Gold Coast. His deep spiritual commitment is reflected in over 47 years of monastic life, a journey he has shared openly, recounting divine encounters, spiritual warfare, and miraculous moments.
Priest
Fr. Michael Lawandi
Reverend Fr. Michael Lawandi was recently ordained as a parish priest for the alter of St Mina and St Anthony Coptic Church Gold Coast on September 7th 2024 by the hand of HG Bishop Daniel (Bishop of Sydney & affiliated regions). Previously a lawyer, Father Michael moved from Sydney, Australia, to serve his flock in Gold Coast.
History of the Coptic Church in Gold Coast
Watch the video below to learn more about the history of our Church in Gold Coast.
