Frequently Asked Questions
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you have a question that is not answered below, feel free to email us at: nader@globalcopticday.org[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”normal” color=”#cccccc” up=”10″ down=”50″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css=”.vc_custom_1540313272307{padding-bottom: 100px !important;}” z_index=”” el_class=”accordion”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_accordion active_tab=”1″ collapsible=”yes” style=”accordion”][vc_accordion_tab title=”What is Global Coptic Day all about?” title_tag=”h3″][vc_column_text]Global Coptic Day is a day to celebrate the Coptic Orthodox Church’s rich heritage, including its indelible history of martyrdom and persecution, theological education and monasticism. We hope to create awareness of the Coptic Orthodox Church and reach both Copts and non-Copts all around the world.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”What day is it celebrated?” title_tag=”h3″][vc_column_text]The inaugural celebration is on June 1, 2019 and will continue annually.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Who started Global Coptic Day?” title_tag=”h3″][vc_column_text]On Oct. 20, 2018, Nader Anise, Founder of the Coptic American Chamber of Commerce, presented the idea of Global Coptic Day to His Grace Bishop Youssef, Bishop of the Southern U.S., who enthusiastically approved and supported the idea. His Grace personally selected the name and date of the celebration. Without His Grace Bishop Youssef’s involvement and blessing, none of this would have been possible.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Is this day approved by the Coptic Orthodox Church leadership?” title_tag=”h3″][vc_column_text]Yes, absolutely. In addition to His Grace Bishop Youssef’s approval, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II blessed the project when Nader Anise met with His Holiness personally at the St. Bishoy Monastery on Nov. 20, 2018. Furthermore, when the idea was presented to many of the Coptic bishops of the Holy Synod on Nov. 20, 2018, they enthusiastically approved it. Finally, countless Coptic priests from all over the world strongly support the day. [/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”How should I celebrate Global Coptic Day and what is P.R.A.I.S.E.?” title_tag=”h3″][vc_column_text]For now, the day will be celebrated mostly over social media, with people sharing videos, photos, articles and links that celebrate the Coptic Orthodox Church in all ways.
Additionally, we recommend that you take part in any number of the following P.R.A.I.S.E. activities:
P(ray) – Dedicate all your prayers on June 1st to the peace of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt and all around the world.
R(ead) – Start a tradition of reading a story of a Coptic saint or martyr to your young children every Global Coptic Day, thereby creating memories that will last a lifetime. Of course, the R can also stand for “Reading”( the Bible), including the verses related to the Holy Family’s flight to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15).
A(cts of Mercy) – Take the time to visit the sick or feed the hungry, give to the poor, clothe those in need or visit the imprisoned. If you contact your parish priest, you can coordinate with him.
I(nvite) – Take this opportunity to invite friends or co-workers to attend one of our Coptic services, whether a Vespers, Liturgy, Bible study or other gathering.
S(ervice) – Provide whatever service might be needed in your community, neighborhood or local parish.
E(ducate) – On June 1st, use social media to educate the public about what the Coptic Church is all about. Share beneficial articles, videos, links, photos and anything else that would bring the Coptic Church closer to people’s hearts and minds. The E can also stand for “Evangelize,” which the entire day attempts to do.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Where will the celebrations occur?” title_tag=”h3″][vc_column_text]There are no geographic limitations; celebrations will occur all around the globe.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Is this day only for English-speaking countries?” title_tag=”h3″][vc_column_text]No. This is a day for everyone, everywhere, regardless of their language or location.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Why do I see an icon of the Holy Family’s Flight to Egypt all over Global Coptic Day’s website and social media?” title_tag=”h3″][vc_column_text]Global Coptic Day takes place on June 1st, which also coincides with the feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ’s Entry to Egypt with the Holy Family. So the icon has become somewhat symbolic of Global Coptic Day. (The photo below was taken on Nov. 25, 2018, as His Grace Bishop Youssef and Nader Anise were presenting His Holiness Pope Tawadros II with the icon.)
[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][/vc_accordion][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_accordion active_tab=”false” collapsible=”yes” style=”accordion”][vc_accordion_tab title=”Who created the icon of the Holy Family?” title_tag=”h3″][vc_column_text]The icon was created by one of the most talented Coptic iconographers today, Osama Moris. Although he uses traditional techniques and colors, his gold guilding technique is rarely seen and is stunning. (Below is a photo of Nader Anise and Osama Moris on both sides of the icon.)
[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Why haven’t I heard about Global Coptic Day in my parish/diocese?” title_tag=”h3″][vc_column_text]The inaugural celebration is 2019 so it’s very possible that the news hasn’t reached everywhere yet. This is a brand new effort; however, we will do our best to get the word out so it can be a true global celebration.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”How can I use social media to celebrate Global Coptic Day?” title_tag=”h3″][vc_column_text]In addition to sharing content that directly relates to the Coptic Orthodox Church, we encourage everyone to share photos and videos of them celebrating with family or friends or showing any P.R.A.I.S.E activities in action.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Which social media platforms should I use?” title_tag=”h3″][vc_column_text]The top three that we expect most people to be on are Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Should I use the hashtag #GlobalCopticDay in my posts?” title_tag=”h3″][vc_column_text]Yes, please! In all your social media posts, regardless of which social media platform you use, please use the hashtag #GlobalCopticDay.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Why should I create a Twitter account?” title_tag=”h3″][vc_column_text]One of the promotional objectives of Global Coptic Day is for us to trend on Twitter on June 1st. In order to do that, a massive number of tweets need to be made throughout the day using the hashtag #GlobalCopticDay. If you don’t have a Twitter account, please create one – and use it on June 1. (Of course, don’t just post on Twitter… get on Facebook and Instagram, too!)[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Is this an annual celebration or a one-time event?” title_tag=”h3″][vc_column_text]God willing, this will be an annual event, celebrated every June 1st.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Who can I contact for more information?” title_tag=”h3″][vc_column_text]You can contact the Co-Founder of Global Coptic Day, Nader Anise, at his personal business email: nader@copticchamber.com.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][/vc_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row]