The Coptic Orthodox Centre in Stevenage, UK, announces a conference on Coptic Culture: Past, Present, and Future. The conference aims to highlight the contributions and achievements of one of the most obscure periods of Egyptian history: the Coptic Period. The importance of this period lies in its valuable contributions to some of the most formative theological debates of Christianity. Strictly defined as a Late Antique culture, spanning only the third to the seventh centuries AD, the heritage of the Coptic Period still survives today in the artistic expression, liturgical services, and language of the Coptic Orthodox Church, as well as in the cultural heritage of millions of Egyptian Christians who live in Egypt and abroad. This period’s lasting contributions, however, remain underappreciated, and many of its aspects remain unclear, or unknown, to the general public.

For the first time, the conference at the Coptic Centre will bring together, specialists working on all aspects of Coptic Culture, from its earliest phases to the present day. One aim of the conference is to highlight new research on Coptic art, writings, and archaeology. By bringing together specialists, academics, and Coptic clergy, the conference organisers hope to foster an active discussion on what defined Coptic identity in centuries past, and what it means to be Coptic in contemporary culture, both in Egypt and abroad. As we gather, it is important that we draw on, understand, and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of this period as we look to our past to inform our present and define our future.

We are very pleased with the response our invitation has received. Symposium participants will be coming from Australia, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the USA.

Contact Information

Telephone: 01438745232
FAX: 01438313879

Postal address:
Coptic Orthodox Church Centre
Shephalbury Manor
Broadhall Way
Stevenage, UK
SG2 8RH

Inquiries: Symposium@copticcentre.com