Who We Are
The Coptic Orthodox Faith
Our Mission
The Saint Barbara American Coptic Orthodox Church (SBACOC) stands as a welcoming haven for all seeking a vibrant faith experience. Recognizing the growing community and the needs of young families, we bridge the gap between established traditions and a contemporary California lifestyle. Our mission is to offer a Christ-centered community that embraces all backgrounds, fostering connection and belonging through ancient teachings made relevant for today. We are a hub of service and fellowship, dedicated to enriching lives within our walls and across the Central Coast.
Our History
The Coptic Orthodox Church boasts a rich and enduring legacy, ranking among the earliest branches of Christianity. Tradition honors Saint Mark the Evangelist, a disciple of Jesus, as the founder, establishing the church in Alexandria around 60 AD. This vibrant city became a center of theological scholarship, attracting prominent figures like Saint Cyril the Great, who championed Orthodox doctrines at early church councils. The Copts developed a distinct liturgical tradition using the Coptic language, a descendant of ancient Egyptian, alongside Greek and Arabic. Monasticism, the practice of religious seclusion and devotion, flourished in the Egyptian deserts, with Saint Anthony the Great considered the father of this movement.
Despite facing periods of persecution under Roman rule and later from Islamic conquerors, the Coptic Church persevered. They weathered theological controversies, such as the 5th century schism over the nature of Christ, which separated them from the Eastern Orthodox Church. Today, the Coptic Orthodox Church remains the largest Christian community in the Middle East, with millions of faithful concentrated in Egypt. The Church has also grown through diaspora communities, spreading its unique traditions and unwavering faith around the globe.
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Mat 28:19-20)