u/niixtriix

Hi all. I converted and was baptized into the Coptic Orthodox Church years ago, but while I was an adult. For context, I’m white, not Egyptian, since I know ethnicity/background questions come up sometimes in conversations about Coptic identity. Life happened over the years… some bad choices, I drifted from the faith entirely, got some tattoos, and I’m married to a non-Coptic spouse (also white). We move a lot for his work so I just haven’t lived near a church.

I’ve found myself missing the faith and thinking about coming back. I guess I have two questions: would someone in my situation generally be welcomed back into a Coptic parish, and does anyone know of a welcoming Coptic church in the San Diego area?

Appreciate any honesty, even if it’s complicated… Thanks.

I started cycling for my commute, but I’m not in shape enough for some of the hills. There are different routes maps will take me, but I want to be able to plan easier hills since I do work on my feet all day.

How do you know what % the hill is you’re taking? Maps only show me a line graph… and sometimes the little blip is the big hill… I’m trying not to hurt myself!

My mid back is killing me lately as I have some spine issues :( I need to sit up more often but I can’t up the hills. I am getting better about them though, and can ride up more than I could when I started!

Any advice is welcomed!