The capital of Segarra hosts the largest Coptic Orthodox community in Spain, comprising approximately 90 families and over 350 faithful. These members come from Cervera and other towns such as Tàrrega, Guissona, Lleida, Igualada, Salou, and Zaragoza. The community established itself in the city in 1995 and, since 2008, has managed the chapel dels Dolors, annexed to the church of Santa Maria. In Catalonia, there is only one other Coptic church, located in Badalona.
Copts, originally from Egypt, are part of the Eastern Orthodox churches, along with those of Syria, Armenia, and Ethiopia. Their main distinction from other Orthodox branches lies in their non-acceptance of the doctrine of the Council of Chalcedon in 451, which established the two natures of Christ.
The Cervera community holds four weekly masses: Saturdays from 8:30 to 10:30 AM in Coptic and Arabic, Sundays from 8:30 to 11:30 AM in Spanish, and two additional weekday masses, with flexible schedules depending on family availability. One of these ceremonies begins at 6 AM and lasts until 7:30 AM. Father Rewis, head of the community, has expressed his hope to "be able to add Catalan to the liturgy" in the near future.
“"Our relationship with Catholics is very beautiful, I appreciate the treatment."
In addition to masses, the community engages in other activities such as the offering of incense, the chanting of praise, and the training of deacons. They also share the use of the Sanctuary of Sant Dubte de Ivorra with the Catholic Church, where the Copts have carried out various improvements in recent years. Father Rewis highlighted the "very beautiful" relationship with Catholics, thanking the current rector of Cervera, Mossèn Abel Trulls, his predecessor, Mossèn Xavier Romero, and the parish priest of Ivorra, Mossèn Fermí Manteca, for their treatment.
