The Coptic Orthodox Church is preparing to celebrate Nayrouz, which falls on the first day of the Coptic month of Tout, marking the beginning of the new Coptic year 1742, on Thursday, September 11, 2025. Prayers and liturgies will be held in all churches inside and outside Egypt in a spiritually special atmosphere.

Nayrouz, or the Coptic New Year, is known as the Feast of the Martyrs in the Church, as its date is linked to the start of the era of martyrdom during the reign of Emperor Diocletian in 284 AD, which the Coptic Church adopted as the beginning of its calendar.

The feast features special prayers during liturgies, with churches decorated in red to symbolize the blood of the martyrs. Coptic hymns and chants expressing themes of martyrdom and steadfastness in faith are recited. Copts commemorate the martyrs and saints who established the Church’s roots through the centuries.

Socially, Nayrouz is associated with ancient Egyptian traditions, including eating dates and guava. Dates symbolize both firmness and sweetness, while guava, with its many seeds, represents the abundant descendants of the martyrs.

This year’s celebrations come as the Church calls on its faithful to draw inspiration from the spirit of the martyrs in facing challenges, renewing faith, love, and peace with the beginning of the new Coptic year.