Church of France (Coptic)

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The Coptic immigration to France started as early as 1800 after the French invasion of Egypt but a bigger immigration started in the 1960s.

On June 2, 1974, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III has received in the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria a native Orthodox Church in France along with their Primate, who in turn was accepted after consecration into the Episcopate, in Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandri and hence was appointed their Primate His Grace Marcos (Mark), as the first Bishop and His Grace Athanasios as the Chorbishop (Deputy Bishop) of the French Orthodox Eparchy.

Status of the church

On 18 June 1994 His Holiness Pope Shenouda III raised the French Orthodox Eparchy to the full status of the French Orthodox Church.

On June 19 1994 in presence of 62 Metropolitans and Bishops of The Coptic Orthodox Church His Holiness Pope Shenouda III elevated His Grace Marcos (Mark) as the first Metropolitan of the Holy Metropolis of Toulon & All France and Primate of the French Orthodox Church and His Grace Athanasios as Auxiliary Bishop Assistant to H.E Marcos.

Currently, the church has also many Priests serving in Paris and other French cities.

Faith and governance

The French Orthodox Church being an upholder of the Orthodox faith as defined by the Apostolic Throne of Alexandria, is integrated within the Church of Alexandria, but is considered autonomous in matter of governance.

See also

• British Orthodox Church
• Coptic Orthodox Church in Wales
• Church of Alexandria (Coptic)
• Coptic Orthodox Church in Europe

External links

• The French Coptic Orthodox Church website
• France Copte website
• Coptepedia website
• Saint Athanase Church Website