Coptic Orthodox Church in Japan
The Coptic Orthodox Church of Japan (in Japanese: 日本コプト正教会) was first established by His Grace Bishop Daniel since 2004.[1]. H.G. Bishop Daniel is the Coptic Orthodox Bishop of the Diocese of Sydney and Affiliated Regions, including Asia. H.G. Bishop Daniel appointed the first serving Coptic priest in Japan, who served St. George Coptic Orthodox church of Japan.
The first Coptic Orthodox holy liturgy was held in Kobe City, Japan in May 2004 by H.G. Bishop Daniel. Other areas were Coptic Orthodox holy liturgies were held were Osaka, Kagoshima (south of Japan), Tokyo (captial city of Japan) and Tottori (western part of Japan).
On July 18th, 2016, the first Coptic Orthodox church building in Japan was officially established by the Diocese of Sydney and affiliated region, in Kizugawa city, in Kyoto prefecture (western part of Japan). It was named St. Mary & St. Mark Coptic Orthodox church. The Coptic Orthodox church in Japan is an official member of JCCC (Japan Confederation of Christian Churches).
What is Coptic Orthodox church?
The Coptic Orthodox church is a church from the first century founded in Egypt from the Apostle, Saint Mark (the writer of the Gospel of Mark). St. Mark witnessed and experienced the Lord Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, resurrection and accession. He then later traveled to Egypt as part of his mission to testify the Truth. The Saint preached the truth of the One and only God and the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Many Egyptians in those days, did not know about the true God, they worshipped idols and many lifeless gods. Many miracles were performed through St. Mark which had proved to the Egyptians that the Lord Jesus Christ was the Saviour and the true God. Many Egyptians became Christians and are known as Copts till this present day. St. Mark was martyred by the Roman Emperor in AD68. . However, that was not the end of the Coptic Orthodox church it was just the beginning of a strong faith that God has been continuing for 21 centuries.
What is Coptic?
Coptic is an old Egyptian language spoken before Arabic was enforced in Egypt . The Coptic Orthodox Church maintained the Coptic language through its hymns and liturgy.
