Egypt’s Institute of Coptic Studies (ICS) is a renowned educational institution dedicated to Coptic history, heritage and culture. Affiliated with the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate and chaired by Pope Tawāḍrūs II of Alexandria, the ICS was established in January 1954 by the Millī (Community) Council. The institute was officially founded through decree 1264 issued by the Ministry of Education to enrich knowledge about Egyptian national history during the Christian era, which had previously lacked academic attention.