Coptic Orthodox Church in Japan
Contents
General
The Coptic Orthodox Church of Japan was first established by His Grace Bishop Daniel since 2002.[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 November 2002 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).
Officially there is not a Coptic Orthodox church building that has been established. However, there are Coptic Orthodox Christians throughout Japan. There are Coptic Egyptians, Sudanese and Ethiopians who come to Japan as students for short-term periods to study. Furthermore, some people come to work and stay for long-term. Others have Japanese spouse and families and are permanent residents in Japan. There were some Japanese who have come to know about the Coptic Orthodox Church from their visit to Egypt. Other Japanese people have experienced the salvation of Jesus Christ and were baptised in the Coptic Orthodox Japan.
What is Orthodox?
The Orthodox church is a church established by the Apostles of Jesus Christ in the first century. The Orthodox Church has never changed their teachings, the traditions and prayers which was directly taught from the Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ. They have kept their traditions till this present day. The holy liturgy is centered on prayers and praises to the Lord Jesus Christ. The church is filled with holiness of the Lord Jesus Christ, “that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
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.
