Should I convert to Coptic Orthodoxy?Do they believe in purgatory?How about Transubstantiation?

Answer 1

No. While Coptic Orthodox do not believe in either purgatory or transubstantiation, they do subscribe to the monophysite heresy which was condemned at the Council of Chalcedon in 451A.D.

The monophysite heresy states that in Jesus the two natures of God and Man are mixed and amalgamated into one "divine/human" nature instead of being preserved distinct (though united in Christ's person) -- essentially, Jesus became a sort of "hybrid mixture" of God and Man rather than becoming both God and Man united in one person. The doctrinal position proposed by the monophysites and defeated at Chalcedon was, "Before the union, two natures; after the union, one nature."

In "mainstream" Orthodoxy, on the other hand, the two natures -- divine and human -- are perfectly united in Christ but remain perfectly distinct, so that what is properly man (corporeality, temporality, etc.) remains properly man and what is properly divine (incorporeality, eternity, etc.) remains properly divine. A "mainstream" Orthodox might therefore say, "Before the union, two natures apart; after the union, two natures united."

The argument which won the day at Chalcedon was essentially this: If Jesus has only one "divine/human" nature, then he is neither divine nor human but something else entirely, and therefore he cannot be a suitable mediator between God and Man, being really neither. If, on the other had, Jesus has two distinct natures -- divine and human -- perfectly united in his singular person, then he is a suitable mediator between God and Man, as he retains the distinct nature of each party within himself.

If you are looking at Orthodoxy, I would suggest looking for a church which subscribes to all of the Seven Ecumenical Councils (Chalcedon being the Fourth). If there's a Coptic Orthodox church in your community, I would think there's also a "mainstream" Orthodox church somewhere relatively close by -- find that church, and they should be able to assist you in any further inquiries into Orthodoxy.

Answer 2

Although only Catholics generally use the actual word transubstation, Copts effectively believe the same thing. The bread and wine is not some wishy washy symbol - Jesus is taken at his word about the whole "I am the bread of life" thing.

In Orthodox and Catholic Christianity (Copts fall under the Orthodox banner) communion is substantial and not merely symbolic - it IS the body and blood.

Answer 3

do what ever you want, God will surprise all of us no matter what insignificant argument you come up with