What Year Is It In Coptic Calendar
As someone who comes from a family with Coptic Orthodox roots, I have always been curious about the Coptic calendar. Growing up, I would hear my parents and grandparents talk about the various feasts and fasts that were observed throughout the year, and I was always fascinated by the rich history and tradition behind these celebrations.
Understanding the Coptic Calendar
The Coptic calendar, also known as the Alexandrian calendar, is a calendar used by the Coptic Orthodox Church and many other Eastern Orthodox churches. It is based on the ancient Egyptian calendar and is used to determine the dates of religious events and festivals.
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which has 365 or 366 days in a year, the Coptic calendar has 13 months. Each month has 30 days, except for the last month, which has 5 or 6 days depending on whether it is a leap year or not.
What Year Is It in the Coptic Calendar?
The Coptic calendar is currently in the year 1739. The Coptic calendar starts on August 29th of the year 284 AD, which is the year that Saint Mark the Evangelist, who is considered the founder of the Coptic Orthodox Church, died.
The Coptic calendar is also known as the “Anno Martyrum” or “Year of the Martyrs” because it starts from the year of Saint Mark’s death, which is considered a significant event in the history of the Coptic Church.
Events and Festivals in the Coptic Calendar
The Coptic calendar is filled with events and festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. Some of the most important ones include:
- The Feast of Nativity, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed on January 7th.
- The Feast of Resurrection, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is observed on the Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox.
- The Feast of the Apostles, which celebrates the martyrdom of the apostles and is observed on July 12th.
- The Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which celebrates the ascension of the Virgin Mary and is observed on August 22nd.
Celebrating Events and Festivals in the Coptic Calendar
Each event and festival in the Coptic calendar is celebrated in a unique way. For example, during the Feast of Nativity, Coptic Christians attend midnight mass and then gather with family and friends to share a meal and exchange gifts. During the Feast of Resurrection, Coptic Christians attend an all-night vigil and then celebrate with a feast and fireworks.
Many of these celebrations are steeped in tradition and involve special foods, decorations, and customs. For example, during the Feast of Nativity, it is customary to eat a special sweet bread called “fata” and to decorate the home with a Nativity scene. During the Feast of Resurrection, it is customary to wear new clothes and to exchange brightly colored eggs as a symbol of new life.
Question and Answer
What is the significance of the Coptic calendar?
The Coptic calendar is significant because it is used by the Coptic Orthodox Church and many other Eastern Orthodox churches to determine the dates of religious events and festivals.
Why does the Coptic calendar have 13 months?
The Coptic calendar has 13 months because it is based on the ancient Egyptian calendar, which also had 13 months. Each month in the Coptic calendar has 30 days, except for the last month, which has 5 or 6 days depending on whether it is a leap year or not.
What is the meaning behind the Feast of Nativity?
The Feast of Nativity celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed on January 7th. It is a significant event in the Coptic Orthodox Church and is celebrated with midnight mass and a feast with family and friends.
FAQs
Do all Eastern Orthodox churches use the Coptic calendar?
No, not all Eastern Orthodox churches use the Coptic calendar. The Coptic calendar is mainly used by the Coptic Orthodox Church and some other Eastern Orthodox churches in Egypt and Ethiopia.
Is the Coptic calendar the same as the Islamic calendar?
No, the Coptic calendar is not the same as the Islamic calendar. The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, while the Coptic calendar is a solar calendar.
How is the Coptic calendar different from the Gregorian calendar?
The Coptic calendar is different from the Gregorian calendar in several ways. The Coptic calendar has 13 months, while the Gregorian calendar has 12 months. Each month in the Coptic calendar has 30 days, except for the last month, which has 5 or 6 days depending on whether it is a leap year or not. The Coptic calendar also starts on a different date than the Gregorian calendar.
Overall, the Coptic calendar is an important part of the Coptic Orthodox Church and plays a significant role in the lives of many Coptic Christians around the world. Its rich history and tradition continue to be passed down from generation to generation, ensuring that it remains an important part of the Coptic Orthodox faith for years to come.