![]() During the reign of Patriarch Shenouda, the church has experienced global expansion providing new opportunities and challenges. ![]() ![]() The government has acknowledged the role of the patriarch as the representative of the Coptic community to the state. A new president and a change in tactics by Patriarch Shenouda have led to an era of co-operation. Increasing violence against Copts marred church-state relations during the Sadat years. This is not a departure from tradition as the office of patriarch has long included a temporal dimension especially under the Islamic millet system. Due to the apparent failure of other political actors to represent Coptic interests, most notably the Wafd, the leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church - Patriarch Shenouda III – has used his position as head of the community to provide both civil and spiritual leadership. Drawing inspiration from its heritage especially monasticism and martyrdom, has allowed the church to revitalise its rich tradition as seen through the strength of the Sunday School movement and contemporary monasticism. The Coptic Orthodox Church in the twenty-first century is reaping the benefits of an ongoing renewal process that commenced in the early decades of the previous century.
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