There are always tragedies on the news, of certain groups being persecuted or discriminated against. There is one group, however, which I belong to that has been discriminated against ever since its creation. These people are the Coptic Orthodox Christians.

Coptic just means Egyptian. Coptic Orthodox Christians are true Egyptians, as they have been in Egypt since the time of the Pharaohs. They did not migrate to Egypt but were always its permanent inhabitants. The Coptic Orthodox church is part of the Oriental Orthodox churches. These include Syrian Orthodox, Indian Orthodox, and a few more. The Copts currently make up less than 10% of Egypt's population. Due to the high level of persecution, almost 30% of Copts now live outside of the motherland. Families leave in an effort to give their children safer lives.

Life is difficult, even unbearable when on top of living with the problems that infest a third world country, such as high prices, crowded areas, pollution, etc., you also have to fear for your own life and your family's. It has become a reality that on holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, Coptic Orthodox churches in Egypt are bombed and families are torn apart for life. But persecution occurs daily too. In the past five years alone, hundreds of Copts' homes and business have been destroyed. On top of that, young Coptic women and girls are often stalked and abducted, never to be found again. The church is quite literally built on the blood of its many martyrs.

Despite these great tribulations and hardships, the Coptic Orthodox Church has lived through countless centuries. It has maintained its pure, orthodox form of Christianity since the time it was established shortly after Jesus' life. The apostle St. Mark brought Christianity to Egypt and from that stemmed the Coptic church.

For Copts living outside of Egypt, the Coptic Orthodox tradition is still a huge part of our lives. We are fortunate enough to get to practice our faith in areas where we do not have to fear our lives being taken away. The church is rich in tradition, rituals, and faith. No matter what the church faces, its members do not stray from it.

Despite our desperate cries for help from all around the world, little attention is given to the Coptic Orthodox people. Whether it be from Egyptian or international leaders, it seems like the world has turned a blind eye to our struggles. It's crushing to feel like there will be no end to the suffering. It feels like screaming in a world where everyone around you has headphones in, volume up to the max, listening to what they choose to. But they never choose to listen to you.

Barcenia Morgan

I am proud to say that I am a Coptic Orthodox Christian. I appreciate the history, the story, and the struggles the church has faced. Its long life proves to me its validity and authenticity. It is these great things that make me proud to have the Coptic cross on my wrist forever. This tradition started in the age of persecution, where Copts were marked by this cross so that they may be easier to find and kill. The church has since claimed this symbol as a proclamation of faith. Yes, I am Coptic. No, I'm not scared to die for my faith, just as Christ died for me.

So next time you see that little plus sign on someone's wrist, ask. That way we know we are not completely alone. Someone hears us.