Introduction

This page presents the complete and faithful reproduction of The Guide for Beginners in Religious Teaching by Rev. Fr. Filothaus Ibrahim, Dean of St. Mark’s Patriarchal Church in Cairo. Originally published in 1892 under the blessing of His Holiness Pope Cyril V (Kirillos), this work is a treasured catechism of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

This unique book simplifies the core doctrines of the Orthodox faith in a clear Question and Answer format, making it ideal for catechumens, spiritual seekers, and anyone building a solid foundation in the Christian life. Its structure also makes it highly useful for newly developed discipleship and catechism programs.

The language and structure have been preserved as originally written, maintaining the authenticity and historical voice of the Coptic tradition. For reference and study, the full scanned PDF edition is also published and made available to readers.

This digital version is offered for study, prayer, and pastoral teaching, honoring the original authors and translators who passed down this timeless witness of our faith. (Click here to download the book in English or Arabic)

Notice from the Author

The first edition of this book, issued in the year 1870, under the name of “An Exercise for Beginners in Religious Teaching”, being entirely out of print, I have found it necessary, in order to meet the constant demand of scholars and others, to reprint it in this form, giving it the name of “The Guide for Beginners in Religious Teaching.” I have made such alterations and additions as I thought useful and important for the benefit of scholars of the Orthodox Coptic Church, under the direction of His Grace S. Kirillos, Patriarch of S. Mark’s preaching. May his rule last long, and may God hear his pious prayers for the good of his children. Amen.

Filothaus
Dean of St. Mark’s Patriarchal Church, Cairo.

This catechetical text is presented as is from the 1892 English Edition of the original Coptic Orthodox catechism by Rev. Fr. Filothaus Ibrahim, faithfully translated by Rev. Naser Odeh. All credit is due to the original authors and the faithful servants who preserved and translated this treasure for future generations. This page and the following sections aim to bring the historical teachings of our Church to a wider audience for study, prayer, and discipleship.

This series is part of a permanent educational collection on CopticSermons.com and is organized for clarity, accessibility, and preservation of its original voice.

Coptic Catechism Series

Welcome to the digital presentation of The Guide for Beginners in Religious Teaching (1892) by Rev. Fr. Filothaus Ibrahim. This series faithfully reproduces the full Coptic Orthodox catechism in a question-and-answer format, structured for clarity, discipleship, and spiritual formation.

Use the links below to navigate through each section of the catechism.

Sections:

Each section includes:

  • ✅ Full original Q&A as written in 1892 (verbatim)
  • ✅ Clean toggle layout for easy reading
  • ✅ Scripture references and theological clarity
  • ✅ Navigation links to go forward or back

May these teachings bless all who read and guide many to a deeper love for the Orthodox faith.

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