Today, Coptic Christians in Egypt and beyond are celebrating Coptic Easter Sunday, one of the most important events in their religious calendar. Many across the world may simply associate Easter with cartoon rabbits and chocolate eggs, but for the Christian population of Egypt, Easter Sunday is a cherished celebration rooted in centuries-old tradition. Coptic Christianity and its rich and deeply historical customs have faced many challenges over the years, but since the beginning of 2020, a new threat has emerged: COVID-19. This year, worshippers are again forced to adapt how they engage with their faith to the incredible circumstances sweeping the world, while still upholding the ceremonies and celebrations which they hold so dear. FROM A MAJORITY FAITH TO A DWINDLING MINORITY According to ancient tradition, Saint Mark’s arrival in Alexandria in the first century marked the introduction of Christianity to Egypt, in the midst of the rule of Roman emperor Claudius. The religion spread far and wide, clear from the discovery of a fragment of papyrus in Upper Egypt with Saint John’s Gospel written on it in the Coptic language, which is said to date back to the second…
