Early Coptic Papacy, The
Book Description
The Egyptian Christian tradition holds a remarkable place in spiritual history, with its papal lineage stretching back nearly two millennia. This scholarly exploration delves into the formative centuries of the Coptic Orthodox Church, examining how its unique leadership structure emerged and evolved from ancient Alexandria to the dawn of the Islamic era.
Stephen J. Davis traces the development of the Egyptian papacy through six and a half pivotal centuries, revealing how this distinctive Christian institution shaped both religious practice and cultural identity. Drawing from an extensive collection of primary sources including letters, sermons, theological writings, and archaeological evidence, the work illuminates the daily realities of early Christian leadership in Egypt.
The study addresses fundamental questions about spiritual authority and community formation. How did the role of the Alexandrian patriarch develop as both a religious and social institution? What can the evolution of this office teach us about the broader transformation of Egyptian Christianity during late antiquity?
For readers interested in understanding the roots of Christian spirituality and institutional development, this volume offers insights into how religious leadership adapts to changing circumstances while maintaining core spiritual principles. The book examines not only what these early church leaders accomplished, but how their actions and representations influenced the lasting identity of one of Christianity's most enduring communities.
This first volume of a comprehensive three-part series provides essential background for understanding the foundations of Coptic Christian tradition.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 251 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Papacy, history
- ✓ Explore Biography
- ✓ Explore Coptic fathers of the church
- ✓ Explore Coptic monasticism and religious orders
- ✓ Explore Christianity
- ✓ Explore Church history
- ✓ Explore Coptic Christian saints
- ✓ Explore History
