What are the most important Coptic symbols?

• a. The fish : In the early Church, the fish was the most frequently used symbol. It reflects several important meanings and references, such as the fact that a fish symbolizes those who believe in God. The Lord Himself used the word to refer to His people when He told His disciples, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19). St. Gregory of Nazianzus says of the martyrs: “They are baptized in their blood but as for the other Christians, they are like a fish that the waters of baptism suffices.”¹²³⁵ Origen also says, “Christ is metaphorically called the fish.”¹²³⁶ Tertullian says, “But we, little fishes, after the example of our ΙΧΘΥΣ ( ichthys , fish) Jesus Christ, are born in water, nor have we safety in any other way than by permanently abiding in water; so that most monstrous creature, who had no right to teach even sound doctrine, knew full well how to kill the little fishes, by taking them away from the water!”¹²³⁷ Christ was thus called because the Greek letters for the word fish are ΙΧΘΥΣ containing the first letters of the words Ἰησοῦς Χρῑστός Θεοῦ Υἱός Σωτήρ ( Iēsoûs Khrīstós, Theoû Huiós, Sōtḗr ), which means Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior.

• b. Dolphin: The British Museum has a Coptic carving of a dolphin bearing a crucifix on its nose and a cluster of vines next to it, dating back to the sixth century. This refers to the soul as it breathes Christ’s sweet scent through His conquering cross and opens its spiritual mouth to be filled with the Eucharistic food (the vine grapes).

• c. Birds: Based on an ancient Egyptian belief, Coptic art frequently depicted human souls as birds.¹²³⁸

1235 St. Gregory of Nazianzus, Resurrection 52.

1236 Origen, In Matt . 5.

1237 Tertullian, On Baptism 1 (ANF 3:669).

1238 Dorothy Colles and Heather Child, Christian Symbols, Ancient & Modern: A Handbook for Students (London: Bell, 1971): p. 192.

• d. Dove: In most of its depictions, the dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit, as depicted in the icons of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary and of the Baptism of Christ. It also symbolizes the believers’ virtues as gifts of the Holy Spirit, especially peace, meekness, and purity. It also reminds us of Noah’s dove. St. Augustine says, “This dove signifies the soul that is returning to the true ark, namely the church. It will enter through Christ’s wounded side.”¹²³⁹

• e. Eagle: One of the unique antiquities is a fresco painting in the Bawit Monastery in Upper Egypt, dating back to the sixth century. On the eagle’s head and raised wings, there are three identical flower wreaths. Inscribed within each circular wreath are the letters α ( alpha ) and ω ( omega ), which are usually placed beside Christ.

• f. Other symbols: The Coptic Church uses other symbols such as a cluster of grapes symbolizing Christ the sacrifice (John 15:1–5). The lamb symbolizes Christ the lamb of God. The anchor is a symbol of hope. The ship represents the Church that crosses into the haven of safety. The phoenix is a fictional bird that St. Clement uses as a symbol of the resurrection.