VV(5) - Coptic Optics 2

[David Morris]

http://www.stshenouda.com/coptlang/coptval.htm

People, especially Copts, often ask why do they need to study Coptic. The 
cause of their dilemma is that Coptic is rarely used even in its last 
stronghold, the Coptic Church. The answer to such a perplexing question lies 
in two distinct but closely related principles. The first is called the 
Ecclesiastical Principle and the second is referred to as the Coptic 
Principle. Both of these principles hold explanation for the importance as 
well as the necessity for keeping such language alive among people in 
general and Copts in particular.

II. The Ecclesiastical Principle:

The Ecclesiastical Principle is a 3-component concept that describes the 
Coptic Church in general terms. Its components are derived from the official 
name used by the Church but in reverse order. These components are as 
follows:

1. Church,

2. Orthodox,

3. Coptic.

[skip first two]

3. Coptic: The last component of this trio is Coptic. The value of this 
component is embodied in the second principle to be discussed here, the 
Coptic Principle. It suffices to say here that this component is what gives 
the Coptic Church its identity and its distinctive flavor that sets it apart 
from any other Christian Church.

III. The Coptic Principle:

The Coptic Principle is an extension of the third component of the 
Ecclesiastical principle. It is in turn explained within the concept of a 
3-component system. Such system will help explain the great benefits that 
can be achieved the Copts or others by the learning the language. These 
components are as follows:

1. Identity,

2. Link to the past,

3. Key to the treasures of the Coptic Church.



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