Dear Beloved,
It is with great pleasure that we share this joyful news with you: With the Blessing and Approval of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, the Secretary of the Holy Synod introduces the 2nd Official Global Coptic Day Contest (2022), “My Coptic Icon,” presented by the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States.
What Is Global Coptic Day? The inaugural Global Coptic Day was celebrated on June 1, 2019, which also commemorates the celebration and Feast of the Holy Family’s Flight to Egypt on June 1st. Global Coptic Day was created as a day to celebrate the Coptic Orthodox Church’s rich heritage, including its indelible history of martyrdom and persecution, theological education, monasticism, iconography, hymnology, and steadfastness in the Orthodox faith. For over 2,000 years, the Coptic Orthodox Church has sustained and practiced the True Christian and Biblical Teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. By the Grace of God, the idea for Global Coptic Day was blessed by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II on November 20, 2018 at the St. Bishoy Monastery in Wadi El Natroun, and will mark its 4th celebration this year.
Why Have A Global Coptic Day Contest?
As One Body in Christ, the Global Coptic Day Contest is open to all Copts, of all age groups, from all around the world. Through this contest, the goal is to unite the world’s Coptic population in an active way as we celebrate the beauty of our church and spirituality of our Coptic icons. This is the 2nd Official Global Coptic Day Contest. The first was the “My Coptic Hero” Contest, conducted in 2020.
Global Coptic Day Contest 2022: “My Coptic Icon” We will ask all Copts to shoot a 1–2-minute video telling us about their favorite Coptic Orthodox Icon and Why. In the video the participants will describe:
What is your name and age? Where do you live? What church do you attend?
What is your favorite Coptic icon and why? (The icon must be a Coptic “style” icon, created in the Coptic tradition.) Do you know the name of the iconographer?
Please describe the icon, who is depicted in the icon, and any symbolic/deeper meanings you recognize (for example, eyes, colors, stars, etc.).
Where is the icon traditionally placed in the Coptic Orthodox Church and why?
Also, you must show the icon in the video, whether the physical Icon or a photo of it.
Please Note: The icon must be a Coptic “style” icon, created in the Coptic tradition. The winners of the contest are asked to tell us which church they would like the prize donation to go to if they win. There are 4 categories this year and 3 prizes for each category are as follows: $1,000 USD for 1st Place, $750 USD for 2nd Place, and $500 USD for 3rd Place. The 4 categories will be divided up by age groups.
1st Age Group - Up to 8 Years Old
2nd Age Group - 9-14 Years Old
3rd Age Group - 15-20 Years Old
4th Age Group - 21 Years Old and Above
Videos may be submitted from any country, and everyone will have an equal chance to win. Only one video per person, per category, will be accepted. If it is a group submission, everyone in the group must be in the same age category.
Please submit videos to: mycopticicon@gmail.com.
All entries must be submitted by April 30th, 2022. The winners of the My Coptic ICON Contest will be announced on Global Coptic Day June 1st, 2022.
I pray and hope that all Copts participate in this contest and share their true LOVE and adoration for Coptic Orthodox icons.
God Bless You
Bishop Youssef,
Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States
