What is the faith of the Egyptians, what is their religion?

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Egypt's religious history goes back 4,000 years. During this period, civilization went from paganism with its polytheism to monotheistic beliefs (recognition of one God).

What religion is practiced in Egypt today and what norms of behavior in this regard are accepted in the country?

Nowadays Egypt is an Islamic state

You can find out which religion is dominant among the Egyptians by studying information about the ethnic composition of the Egyptian population. Currently, its territory is inhabited mainly by Arabs. And that is why the bulk of its population speaks Arabic.

They profess Sunni Islam. In addition, there are Christians and representatives of other religions in the country.

Crest of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Egypt is a secular state, but its main religion is Islam. Photo: upload.wikimedia.org

According to various sources, approximately 90% of Egyptians profess Islam, and it became the official state religion under President Anwar Sadat, who ruled the country from 1970 to 1981.

It was then that Sharia became the main source of law in the state. Now Islam has a much greater influence on the family and society than Christianity. However, it operates in the country in a relaxed form.

Despite the fact that Egypt is a secular state, its capital Cairo is famous for its numerous mosques and minarets and is therefore considered the city of 1000 minarets.

90%

approximately how many Egyptian citizens profess Islam

Christians consider Egypt's ancient religion pagan

The religion of Ancient Egypt is known to us from inscriptions made on papyri and stone, as well as from artifacts and architectural monuments that remained after the conquerors came to the country.

It rearranges the belief system of religious beliefs and rituals that were practiced in Ancient Egypt from the pre-dynastic period until the adoption of Christianity in the country. Over the course of thousands of years of history, the religion of the ancient Egyptians went through four stages of development: the Ancient, Middle and New Kingdoms, the Late and Greco-Roman periods.

Gods Osiris, Anubis and Horus. Detail of the painting in the tomb of Pharaoh Horemheb. XIII century BC e. Religion of Ancient Egypt - polytheism or polytheism

The ancient Egyptian religion is considered polytheistic, although researchers note that in Ancient Egypt for some time there existed a number of cults that were henotheistic in nature, that is, they were characterized by the separation of one “main” god from the pantheon.

In addition, for some time in the country there was a cult of atonism (the cult of the Sun in Ancient Egypt), which had signs of monolatry (polytheism with the presence of one main god). As a result, some researchers mix these concepts and also build theories about the hidden monotheism of the religion of the Egyptians in ancient times.

There are also some not entirely appropriate parallels between the religions of Ancient Egypt and Israel.

The religion of Ancient Egypt was polytheistic.

The ancient Egyptian religion is characterized by feteshism and totemism. This is how the ancient Egyptians revered the Nile River and practiced the cult of animals. They worshiped bulls and cows, hippopotamus, snake, crocodile, lion, cat, falcon (hawk).

In addition, a funeral cult was developed in Ancient Egypt. The ancient Egyptians believed that after death a person continues to exist in a different form in the place of his burial. Thanks to this, mummification or embalming of the bodies of the dead was well developed in the country.

Akhenaten and Nefertiti worship Aten. The pharaoh of Ancient Egypt Akhenaten went down in history as a religious reformer. He tried to introduce the monetistic cult of the Aten-Sun into the country. Photo: upload.wikimedia.org

Modern religious studies defines the religion of Ancient Egypt as Poletheism, while many Egyptologists and historians of the 19th and early 20th centuries built very complex theories of the so-called “Egyptian monotheism.”

According to him, in Egypt they worshiped one god, and the division of him by priestesses into other gods was done specifically so that ordinary people could more easily understand the cult. In this regard, it is worth mentioning the religious reforms of Pharaoh Akhenaten, who tried to establish the cult of the Sun-Aten as the main one.

Muslim Church: 3 main mosques

Christianity, which replaced the ancient Egyptian religion, is characterized as a form of paganism.

Early Belief

The tribes of prehistoric times in the Nile Valley observed various occurrences of omnipotent mysterious forces in all natural phenomena. In the early period of the typical form, totemism and fetishism were manifested, which experienced various changes, being subject to the transitional influence of society from nomads to a sedentary way of life. The Nile constantly overflowed, bringing fertility to the soil, or causing floods, directly influencing primitive beliefs and Egyptian life.

Constant floods and observation of the celestial stars allow the Egyptians to reliably create a certain calendar and master the astronomical principles, which are reflected in their beliefs.

Sunni Islam is the main religion of the Arab Republic of Egypt

Speaking about what is the main faith of the Egyptians, it is necessary to remember Sunni Islam, which is professed by the vast majority of the inhabitants of Egypt. It came to the country after Christianity in the 7th century, as a result the country became a major political and religious center of Sunnism in the Muslim world.

It became the official religion under President Anwar Sadat in the 1970s. As a result, while maintaining the secular nature of the state, Islamic law or Sharia became the basis of state law. Moreover, it is used in a very softened version.

Egyptian President Anwar al-Sadat led the country from 1970 to 1971. During his reign, Islam became the official religion of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Photo: upload.wikimedia.org

Islam plays a central role in the lives of most Egyptian Muslims. The Islamic call to prayer azan can be heard in the country five times a day. Islam has an unofficial influence on almost all areas of life, from business to entertainment. Cairo is famous for its numerous mosques and minarets and is rightly called the city of 1000 minarets.

Even though Islam is the main religion of Egypt, it is a secular country. The main religion of Egypt is represented in the country in a rather mild version, since the overwhelming majority of Egyptian Muslims are Sunnis.

Unlike the Shiites, who argue that the next caliph, the successor to the Prophet, should be appointed by right of succession, the Sunnis prefer a democratic selection procedure. Despite this circumstance, banned Islamic organizations are quite strong in the country.

Consequences of the terrorist attack in the Coptic temple in Cairo. Despite the fact that the official Egyptian authorities are fighting banned radical Islamic groups, terrorist attacks against Coptic Christians periodically occur in the country. Photo: img.tyt.by

According to representatives of the Egyptian and American intelligence services, many ideologists of Wahhabism and radical Islam studied at Cairo University. At the same time, the religious life of Egypt has been quite peaceful for the last 30 years.

Despite this circumstance, radical Islamic groups and Coptic Christians periodically conflict with each other. An example is the terrorist attack that took place in Alexandria on January 1, 2011. Then a terrorist attack was carried out in a Coptic temple, a bomb was detonated, killing more than 20 people, and injuring more than 100 people.

Economy and industry

Tourism brings a lot of income to Egypt.
Since the climate allows for 3 harvests per year, most families make a profit from farming. Modern Egypt supplies the world market with wheat, corn, rice, cotton, natural vegetable oils, various flower essences, handmade furniture, gold, silver, and precious stones. This country is rich in oil and gas, phosphorite, iron ore, as well as the world-famous Aswan granites. But still, tourism brings the lion's share of income to the entire country.

Egypt is a unique country. While studying books, we are constantly amazed by its ancient history and culture. But having visited this delightful place, we understand: modern Egypt is no worse than ancient Egypt. This country has managed to skillfully preserve old traditions, diluting them and giving them modern freshness. That's why the whole world wants to visit here. And as long as Egypt continues to exist, the streams of people wishing to see the tombs and pyramids with their own eyes will not dry up. And this is the magic of the country.

Most Christians in Egypt belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church

Christianity replaced the ancient religions of the Egyptians. At the same time, the direct descendants of the inhabitants of Ancient Egypt, who are called Copts, traditionally profess Christianity. Various sources report their numbers ranging from 5 to 22% of the population.

Entrance to the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As (Cairo). Amr ibn al-As, governor of Egypt from 661 to 664. As a result of his rule, Egypt forcibly became an Islamic country. Photo: upload.wikimedia.org

Christianity was brought to Egypt in the 1st century by the Apostle Mark. In 395-400, Christianity became the state religion of the country. In 451, the national Egyptian church was formed.

After the invasion of Egypt in 639 by the Arab army led by Amr-ibn al-As, the forced Islamization of the country began. Many Egyptians were killed, many were converted to Islam and Arabized.

As a result, immigrants from the Arabian Peninsula began to dominate the country.

15%

This is exactly how much of the population of Egypt are Copts

As a result, today, native Egyptians make up only 15% of Egypt's population versus 85% of Arabs. Copts are united in the Coptic Orthodox Church, which is headed by the Alexandrian Pope and Patriarch His Holiness Theodore II.

The Coptic Church is considered monophysite, which prevents ecumenical communication of its representatives with other Orthodox Churches. The identification mark of a Copt is a cross tattooed on the inside of the wrist, but Copts do not wear crosses on their bodies.

His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodore II. 116th Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa

Copts are the ancient Christian population of Egypt. It unites around the Alexandrian Orthodox Church. Other Christian denominations in the country include:

Alexandria Orthodox Church;
Armenian Apostolic Church;
Coptic Catholic Church;
Greek Melkite Catholic Patriarchate of Antioch, Alexandria and Jerusalem;
Protestant communities.

Egypt is a secular country and therefore the country's authorities claim that religious peace reigns in it, but human rights organizations talk about the oppression of Coptic Christians both at the state and at the everyday level.

Modern religious composition of the population

Time passed, and the former pantheon of gods exhausted itself. People, tired of endless extortions and raids, needed a deity who would give protection, peace, and hope. All this was given by the cult of the goddess Isis. She did not demand bloody sacrifices, she loved and protected her admirers. It is amazing that the worship of Isis spread to Greece, Rome and even Europe. The meekness, kindness and tenderness of the goddess resembled the Christian image of the Mother of God. The cult of Isis is a transitional period between paganism and early Christianity. From that moment on, the previous religion of the Egyptians sank into oblivion.

Religious composition of the population of modern Egypt:

90% are Muslims;
10% are Coptic Christians.

Muslims

640 AD e. brought Egypt the conquest of the Arabs, who spread the Muslim faith. Egyptian Muslims became divided over time.

Now Islam is represented by two groups:

Sunnis;
Shiites.

Shiites hold strong, radical views in both politics and religion. The traditions and strict principles of Islam have taken root here well. Even the secular legislation of Egypt is Sharia, a set of Muslim rules. True, significantly softened. So, for example, a thief will not have his hand cut off, but will only be sent to prison. All family issues related to marriage or inheritance are decided exclusively by religious courts. In 1956, the state judicial system made religious courts a full part of it. Islam is the state religion of modern Egypt.

Coptic Christians

Saint Mark brought Christianity to Egypt. Preaching, he spread the faith among the Egyptians and formed many temples throughout the country. The Christian faith was not established among the people in its pure form, but was united with the paganism of Egypt. With the capture of the country by the Arabs, much has changed. The Egyptians began to be called Copts. A tax on heterodoxy was introduced. At times Christians were persecuted.

There are currently about 8 million Coptic Christians living in Egypt. They live in peace with Muslims, who are the majority in the country. A Copta can be recognized by his tattoo - a cross on his wrist. This custom dates back to ancient times, when Christians were persecuted and forbidden to wear a cross.

Orthodoxy in Egypt is widely represented by different jurisdictions

Orthodoxy is widely represented in Egypt. These are mainly parishes of the Patriarchate of Alexandria. Since 2007, it has been headed by Pope Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Theodore II (Horeftakis).

On the territory of Egypt, the Patriarchate of Alexandria has the Archdiocese of Alexandria, headed by the Patriarch (residences in Alexandria and Cairo), and the following 5 metropolises:

Memphis (Heliopolis-Cairo).
Leontopolskaya (Ismailia).
Pelusian (Port Said).
Germopolskaya (Tanta).
Ptolemais (Minia).

The number of Orthodox Christians in Egypt is about 350 thousand people (about 0.4% of the country's population).

Cathedral Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. The cathedral is the seat of the Patriarchate of Alexandria.

The Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Alexandria is the main temple of the Orthodox Church in Alexandria. The residence of the Patriarch of Alexandria is located here.

There are 30 parishes and 3 monasteries on the territory of Egypt: St. Sava the Sanctified in Alexandria, St. Nicholas in Cairo and the Great Martyr George in Old Cairo.

350000

so many Orthodox Christians live in Egypt today

The Orthodox Church of Jerusalem in Egypt is represented by the Autonomous Archdiocese of Sinai. It consists of the monastery of the Great Martyr Catherine. The monastery is located at the foot of Mount Sinai and includes 17 farmsteads.

Ambassadorial Church in the name of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica in Cairo. The Russian Orthodox diaspora of Egypt is nourished here. Photo: sobory.ru

As for the Russian Orthodox Church, its representation under the Patriarch of Alexandria in Cairo is located on Egyptian territory.

The Russian diaspora in Egypt is nourished in the embassy church in the name of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica in Cairo and in the church in the name of the blessed Alexander Nevsky in Alexandria.

Coptic Church

When visiting a Christian church in Egypt, religious ceremonies are carried out in the following order:

entrance to churches does not require women to cover their heads (hair is covered only during communion);
Open clothing is prohibited (women cover their legs, deep necklines are not allowed; men must cover their legs and torso);
women and men sit separately;
as in the Russian church, candles are lit;
the interior decoration consists of icons and paintings of religious content;
The Gospel is written in ancient Coptic;
prayers are read in Coptic, Arabic is permitted.

Egyptians of all religions are convinced of the unity of God. The words used by Christians and Muslims in everyday life and during communion sound the same in Arabic due to the peculiarity of the translation of the word “God” (in Arabic - “Allah”).

Most frequently used expressions:

Assalaam Maleykum - peace be upon you;
El Hamdulile - glory to God;
Insha Allah - God willing.

Relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Egyptian authorities

The metochion of the Russian Orthodox Church in Cairo is located in the Church of the Great Martyr. Dmitry Solunsky on the outskirts of the Egyptian capital. The cathedral was built in 1925 through the efforts of Russian emigrants who settled in the country in a quarter with a predominantly Greek population.

After Muslim Arabs settled in the area, parishioners stopped going to the temple. It actually closed, since services were held there several times a year.

His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' Patriarch Alexy II. Through the efforts of Alexy II, the Russian Orthodox Church was restored and the cathedral in the name of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica in Cairo was repaired. Photo: upload.wikimedia.org

After the USSR collapsed and reconciliation between the ROCOR and the Russian Orthodox Church took place, the temple was transferred to the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church. This happened thanks to the efforts of Patriarch Alexy II.

It was in a dilapidated state and took a long time to repair. The grand opening of the courtyard and the consecration of the temple took place on November 10, 2000.

Currently, all conditions have been created for the spiritual nourishment of Russians living in Egypt and tourists from Russia. The hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Egyptian authorities are in direct and open dialogue.

For your safety!

Be careful in your statements, be respectful of other people's traditions and do not provoke conflict situations.
During the month of Ramadan, it is prohibited to eat food or even chew gum in public places.
Do not sunbathe topless, do not photograph military installations.
Men are not allowed to approach and communicate with an unknown Egyptian woman.
Inside the hotel, your choice of clothing is yours, but outside the tourist area, dress more modestly and behave accordingly.

A little about security:

“Modesty adorns”, or “How should female tourists dress in Egypt?”

Diplomatic relations have been established between Egypt and the Vatican

Catholicism, as one of the Christian denominations, is also present in Egypt.

It is represented by the communities of the Roman Catholic and Eastern Catholic Churches, which are represented by believers of the Coptic Catholic Church, Syrian Catholic Church, Armenian Catholic Church, Maronite Catholic Church, Melkite Catholic Church and Chaldean Catholic Church.

The total number of Catholics in Egypt is about 200 - 300 thousand people.

His Holiness Pope Leo XII, 252nd Pope. Pope Leo XII established the Patriarchate for the Coptic Catholic Church. Photo: upload.wikimedia.org

Catholics appeared in Egypt during the Crusades, this is the beginning of the 13th century. During the Council of Ferrarro-Florence, a union between the Catholic and Coptic Churches was signed, which did not produce any results.

In 1741, the Coptic Bishop of Jerusalem, Athanasius Amba, and a small group of believers converted to Catholicism, laying the foundation for the Coptic Catholic Church.

August 23, 1947

on this day diplomatic relations between Egypt and the Vatican were established

On August 15, 1824, Pope Leo XII issued the bull Petrus Apostolorum, which established the Patriarchate for the faithful of the Coptic Catholic Church, which was governed by apostolic vicars.

March 15, 1895, when Pope Leo XIII elevated priest George Macarius to the post of apostolic vicar of the Patriarchate, who took the name Cyril with the title “Bishop of Caesarea Philippi.”

Apostolic Vicariate of Alexandria of Egypt, Cathedral of Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus. It is under the direct control of the Holy See. Photo: upload.wikimedia.org

Until 1895, Coptic Catholics were under the jurisdiction of the Latin Apostolic Vicariate of Arabia and Egypt (today the Apostolic Vicariate of Alexandria Egypt). The small community of the Coptic Catholic Church, numbering several hundred people at the end of the 18th century, today consists of seven dioceses with a population of about two hundred thousand believers.

The remaining Catholic churches are also represented in Egypt by a small number of believers. The Vatican and the Arab Republic of Egypt maintain diplomatic relations established on August 23, 1947.

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