Coptic monasticism is the original form of monasticism all over the world. It has deep roots in the Egyptian soil thanks to the founding fathers who chose to leave mundane temptations to devote their lives to God only. It is also the Coptic image of the Sufi approach adopted by sectors of Muslims in the Egyptian community. These approaches reflect the religious nature of the Egyptian people and their commitment to their teachings. What is the Coptic Monasticism? The Coptic monasticism, like other forms of monasticism, is a religious way of life in which monks abandon the worldly pursuits to fully devote themselves to spirituality. The monastic life in the Egyptian church is not limited to the men, but includes women. Egyptian monks and nuns have been living in the monasteries built in the deserts in the first centuries of Christianity in Egypt. These monasteries attract the attention of many archeologists across the world along with those interested in cultural tourism. During the monks' consecration, the Coptic monasteries used to hold funeral prayers over the seekers,and if they passed the test period, merging takes place between one to three years. The ceremony comes to send implicit message to the monks and their relatives that they have died to the world, figuratively. Egypt's Monasticism History The monasticism began in Egypt since the third century AD. Most Copts believe that Saint Antony is the founder of the Coptic monasticism, while some researchers refuse this claim. Pastor, Marcos Al Baramousi, a monk in St. Mary Monastery, said that Antony was not the first Copt turning to live in the desert for worshipping, while he was preceded by a number of individuals who decided to live a primitive life, including St. Vrontinos and St. Paul. Those fathers were followed by a large number of Egyptian Christians who decided to dedicate their lives to seclusion and worship of God. Monasticism criticism The Coptic monasticism faces increased criticism during the modern era due to the confusion between the role of monks and priesthood. The Coptic Church chooses its leaders, including the patriarch and bishops, from the monks. This matter pushed many aspirants in the ecclesiastical positions to take the monastic approach. Pastor, Basilios Al Maqary, a monk in St. Macarius Monastery, said that the confusion between the monasticism and priesthood undermined the main objective of monasticism. He added that a large number of monks turned to the monasteries not to worship but to take a leading position in the church in the future. However, others believe that leaders of the church should be selected from the monks. They believe that it is the old tradition that should be pursued to keep the church's historic norms. Adel Sawiris, a Coptic researcher, said that the bishops and patriarchs of the Coptic Church came from the monks since the first centuries. He added the church's history has many stories of married patriarchs, while they were living in celibacy with their wives.
