Early Egyptian Christianity from Its Origins to 451 C.E.

Abstract

The history of early Christianity is of continuing significance and interest to a sizable portion of the world's population. This study focuses on the history of Christianity in Egypt from its earliest recorded origins to the Council of Chalcedon in 451 CE, when the Eyptian Coptic Church became a national religion because of its separation from the Catholic University. Within this time period, one can observe the development of features unique to Egyptian Christianity, the imposition of Catholic ecclesiasticism in Alexandria and southward, and the presence of forces which would lead to the establishment of a national religion. This study should contribute to an increased understanding of early Egyptian Christian history and the manner in which that religion was dispersed in other countries, as well as to the general history of early Christianity.