“Coptic” comes from the Greek term meaning “Egyptian.” Originating in the city of Alexandria, Coptics were founded in the first century, in Egypt, and consider John Mark (the author of the Gospel of Mark) as their founder and first bishop.
The church places heavy emphasis on asceticism which, as the Coptic church puts it, is the practice of self-denial in an effort to become closer to God. and although the Coptic Christian Church shares many beliefs and practices with the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Church, it is decidedly independent.