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I am a non-Egyptian single male in my 40s and raised Roman Catholic. I have been reading as much as I can about Orthodox Christianity. I have come to love the Coptic Orthodox Divine Liturgy, and the ancient Coptic hymns. I feel that the Coptic Orthodox Church is the most traditional of all the Orthodox Churches. I have learned that a member of the Coptic Church is only allowed to marry another member of the Oriental Orthodox Churches. If I decide to convert to the Coptic Orthodox Church, would a non-Egyptian like myself have difficulty finding a Coptic wife?

It will be a great blessing to have you as a member of the Coptic Orthodox Church. St. Mark established the Church while on his evangelism mission, and all Egyptians at that time were pagans. Due to domestic persecutions against the Copts for the following centuries, the evangelism efforts of the Coptic Orthodox Church were limited. Despite this, the faith of the Copts continued to grow strong and steadfast and persevered until this day and forward by God's grace. Thus, evangelism continues to be a fundamental cornerstone in the Church. Though the roots of our Church stemmed from Egypt, we are a multicultural church and welcome all races and ethnicities. What binds us together is our faith and doctrine. There is no difficulty in finding a Coptic wife. Whomever you eventually choose to marry will have to also be a member of the Church. After you convert and are discipled by your church priest and begin to attend many of the functions, you may meet someone compatible. On the other hand, you may meet a person from another culture that is already a member of the church or is maybe in pursuit of finding the true church. Your salvation is the priority and God will provide the rest, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33).