A Dictionary of All Religions and Religious Denominations/Cophts

COPTHS, a numerous denomination of Christians in Egypt, Syria, Nubia, and the adjacent countries. They are subject to the patriarch of Alexandria, who is said to have no less than 140 bishoprics in those parts subject to him, besides the bishop of the Abyssinians, who is nominated and consecrated by him. The patriarch makes a short discourse to the priests once a year; and the latter read legends from the pulpit on great festivals, but never preach. their church service is performed in Arabic, and modern Coptic. They followed the doctrine of the Jacobites with regard to the nature of Christ and baptism by fire; and the cermonies which they observe are much the same with those of the Greek Church. See Jacobites and Greek Church.