Our Patron Saints
The Holy Apostles - Patrons of the Church
The Coptic Orthodox Church honors the Holy Apostles as the chosen disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, who became the foundation of the Church through their preaching, teaching, and witness. After receiving the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, they were empowered to proclaim the Gospel boldly to all nations, fulfilling Christ’s command: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
The Apostles were not only eyewitnesses of the life, death, and glorious resurrection of Christ, but also living examples of faith, sacrifice, and perseverance. Each endured hardship, persecution, and martyrdom for the sake of the Kingdom, sealing their testimony with their blood. Their journeys carried the light of Christ to the far reaches of the world, planting churches and ordaining bishops, priests, and deacons to continue the apostolic ministry.
In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, the Apostles are especially remembered for their unity in spirit despite their diverse backgrounds. Fishermen, tax collectors, and zealots alike were transformed into spiritual pillars of the Church, bound together by their love for Christ and their mission to spread the Good News. Their steadfastness reminds the faithful that holiness is not bound by occupation or status, but by obedience to God’s call.
The Coptic Church also keeps a special commemoration of the Apostles each year on the Feast of the Apostles (Abib 5, July 12), honoring Saints Peter and Paul in particular, but remembering all twelve Apostles and St. Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles.
As patrons of the Church, the Holy Apostles continue to inspire believers to live courageously in faith, to spread the message of salvation, and to build their lives upon Christ, the true cornerstone.
The Apostles were not only eyewitnesses of the life, death, and glorious resurrection of Christ, but also living examples of faith, sacrifice, and perseverance. Each endured hardship, persecution, and martyrdom for the sake of the Kingdom, sealing their testimony with their blood. Their journeys carried the light of Christ to the far reaches of the world, planting churches and ordaining bishops, priests, and deacons to continue the apostolic ministry.
In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, the Apostles are especially remembered for their unity in spirit despite their diverse backgrounds. Fishermen, tax collectors, and zealots alike were transformed into spiritual pillars of the Church, bound together by their love for Christ and their mission to spread the Good News. Their steadfastness reminds the faithful that holiness is not bound by occupation or status, but by obedience to God’s call.
The Coptic Church also keeps a special commemoration of the Apostles each year on the Feast of the Apostles (Abib 5, July 12), honoring Saints Peter and Paul in particular, but remembering all twelve Apostles and St. Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles.
As patrons of the Church, the Holy Apostles continue to inspire believers to live courageously in faith, to spread the message of salvation, and to build their lives upon Christ, the true cornerstone.
Saint Abanoub – The Child Martyr
The Coptic Orthodox Church treasures the memory of Saint Abanoub, one of her most beloved child-martyrs, who offered his life joyfully for Christ. Born in the town of Nehisa in the Nile Delta, Abanoub was raised by devout parents who instilled in him the fear of God. After their passing, he grew in faith and purity. At the age of twelve, he entered the church and heard the priest urging the faithful to remain steadfast during the fierce persecutions of Emperor Diocletian. Abanoub received the Holy Sacraments, prayed for strength, and gave away all his possessions to the poor before setting off to confess Christ.
On his way to Samannoud, the Archangel Michael appeared to him, strengthening him for the sufferings he would endure. There, Abanoub boldly proclaimed his faith before the Roman governor and rejected idol worship. He was tortured brutally—whipped until his intestines poured out, hung upside down, and burned on iron beds. Yet, in every trial, the Lord healed him, and many bystanders were converted to Christianity through the miracles performed in his presence.
Abanoub was later thrown among venomous snakes, but they did not harm him. Instead, the sight of his deliverance led even magicians and soldiers to believe in Christ. Despite countless attempts, the rulers could not break his spirit or his love for his enemies, whom he prayed for even while suffering. Finally, unable to silence his witness, they beheaded him. His body was taken to his hometown Nehisa, and in 960 A.D. was transferred to the Church of Saint Mary in Samannoud, where it rests to this day.
Saint Abanoub, the child martyr, stands as a radiant example of courage, purity, and unwavering faith. His life reminds us that even the youngest among us can be powerful witnesses to Christ. May his prayers be with us all. Amen.
On his way to Samannoud, the Archangel Michael appeared to him, strengthening him for the sufferings he would endure. There, Abanoub boldly proclaimed his faith before the Roman governor and rejected idol worship. He was tortured brutally—whipped until his intestines poured out, hung upside down, and burned on iron beds. Yet, in every trial, the Lord healed him, and many bystanders were converted to Christianity through the miracles performed in his presence.
Abanoub was later thrown among venomous snakes, but they did not harm him. Instead, the sight of his deliverance led even magicians and soldiers to believe in Christ. Despite countless attempts, the rulers could not break his spirit or his love for his enemies, whom he prayed for even while suffering. Finally, unable to silence his witness, they beheaded him. His body was taken to his hometown Nehisa, and in 960 A.D. was transferred to the Church of Saint Mary in Samannoud, where it rests to this day.
Saint Abanoub, the child martyr, stands as a radiant example of courage, purity, and unwavering faith. His life reminds us that even the youngest among us can be powerful witnesses to Christ. May his prayers be with us all. Amen.