I suppose I’ll start with a brief intro of myself: I am a multigenerational American (some of my ancestors signed the Mayflower Compact), I met, then fell in love with a Coptic girl.

I never really was ever much of a believer by any standard. I’ve been exposed to several faiths: Baptist, Lutheran, Catholic... I’m not ashamed to admit it, I hadn’t heard of Coptic till I met her. I found it as something new to learn. I even learned to read Coptic and Arabic.

I enjoyed the perseverance of the church, the steadfast holding to Sunday liturgies and Saturday Vespers.

It even came to the point that we discussed marriage and how I’d be forced to convert. (I don’t use forced lightly). One of the priests, who initially had my respect and admiration, had come and visited me, where he then brought the conversation to me submitting to his authority. I was insulted. To come to a stranger’s home and demand that? I told him to leave or I’d press charges for trespassing. He couldn’t understand why I was insulted and offended. I then told him to leave immediately.

It didn’t sit well with her. And it led to other issues which terminated our relationship.

I still admire the practice of liturgies, how they hold to such tradition. I wouldn’t mind attending once again, but now I fear it would be as if I attended for traditionalism. Or better phrased, to witness the practice and rites of an ancient church that was always foreign and never welcoming to me.