Abstract
Orthodox churches in Africa today may be identified as follows: The Coptic Orthodox Church, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria and All Africa. There are also independent churches in different parts of Africa that carry as part of their title the term “Coptic,” “Orthodox,” or “Ethiopian.” Dealing with these independent churches is beyond the scope of this study. However, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church will be mentioned in connection with its long standing relationship with the Coptic Orthodox Church. As for the Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria, the limitations of the present study will not permit dealing with this church. Hence, the present study will concentrate on the “African Coptic Orthodox Church.”