St. Paul, also known as the Apostle Paul, is a pivotal figure in the Coptic Orthodox Church. He was born in Tarsus, a city in present-day Turkey, and was initially named Saul. A devout Jew and Roman citizen, Saul was highly educated in Jewish law and was a fierce persecutor of early Christians. However, his life took a dramatic turn on the road to Damascus when he experienced a divine encounter with Jesus Christ, leading to his conversion to Christianity. He was baptized and became known as Paul, dedicating his life to spreading the Gospel.

After his conversion, St. Paul became a fervent missionary, traveling extensively throughout the Roman Empire to preach the teachings of Christ. He established several Christian communities and was instrumental in bringing the faith to Gentiles. His missionary journeys took him to places like Antioch, Cyprus, Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome. St. Paul faced numerous hardships, including imprisonment, shipwrecks, and persecution, but remained steadfast in his mission. He authored several epistles, which form a significant part of the New Testament and continue to be foundational texts for Christian theology.

The Coptic Orthodox Church venerates St. Paul for his theological contributions and unwavering faith. He is celebrated as a model of repentance and transformation, symbolizing the power of God’s grace to change even the hardest of hearts. St. Paul’s feast day is observed on 5 Amshir in the Coptic calendar, commemorating his martyrdom in Rome. His teachings and writings have had a lasting impact on Christianity, and he is honored as one of the great apostles who played a crucial role in the early Church’s growth and development.