Global Coptic Day honors the unwavering faith, rich traditions, and resilience of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
Over two millennia ago, the Holy Family sought refuge from persecution by fleeing to Egypt, blessing a land that later became the foundation of one of the world’s oldest Christian communities. Decades after this event, Saint Mark the Evangelist spread the Gospel in Egypt, planting the seeds that would eventually grow into the remarkable Coptic Orthodox Church.
Today, Coptic Christians in the United States enhance national life through their deep devotion to God, commitment to family, and strong testimony to the blessings of faith and freedom. Globally, however, Coptic Christians have endured oppression, persecution, and horrific violence, from ancient martyrs like Saint Maurice to the 21 Coptic construction workers tragically executed by ISIS on a Libyan beach 11 years ago. The persecution of Christians is a brutal evil, and my Administration is steadfast in its commitment to eradicating it in all forms.
During my presidency, I established the Religious Liberty Commission to ensure the free practice of faith and protect the fundamental rights of religious believers across the nation. The Commission also works to promote religious liberty worldwide. America exemplifies freedom to the world, and we will always defend the right of every individual to practice their faith openly, freely, and without fear.
As we commemorate 250 years of American Independence, Global Coptic Day serves as a profound reminder of a truth embedded in the core of our Republic—that the free exercise of religion is the foundation of our constitutional way of life, the first freedom enshrined by our Founders, and the liberty every tyrant has feared and sought to destroy. The steadfastness of the Coptic Orthodox Church, which has borne its cross through centuries of trials and emerged stronger each time, exemplifies what it truly means to stand firm in faith, persevere with courage, and trust in the providence of Almighty God.
