Coptic Christians are members of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, the largest Christian church in Egypt. The church traces its origin back to Mark the Evangelist, who is credited for bringing Christianity to Egypt in the first century.

1. Baptism
2. Confirmation
3. Eucharist
4. Confession
5. Orders
6. Matrimony
7. Unction of the Sick

While most Christian sects observe the 40-day fast of Lent, Copts fast for more than 210 days out of the year. The Coptic fasting tradition allows for no consumption of animal products and prohibits food and drink during daylight hours.Coptic.net: The Christian Coptic Orthodox Church Of Egypt

• U.S. Copts Association
• Topix.net: Coptic Christians
• Google News: Coptic Christians
• The Sun: 'I lost a third of my body weight' (February 27, 2008)
• Gadling: Egyptian host family starves student (February 27, 2008)
• The New York Times: "Egyptian Court Allows Return to Christianity" (February 11, 2008)
  • Cairo's highest court has ruled that 12 Coptic Christians who had converted to Islam are allowed to return to their old church. The case has caused a lot of controversy in Egypt, which is currently 90% Muslim and where conversion from Islam to Christianity is generally frowned upon.
• Google Blog Search: Coptic Christians