This book examines the function and development of the cult of saints in Coptic Egypt focusing primarily on the material provided by the texts forming the Coptic hagiographical tradition of the early Christian martyr Philotheus of Antioch and more specifically the Martyrdom of St Philotheus of Antioch Pierpont Morgan M583 This Martyrdom is a reflection of a once flourishing cult which is attested in Egypt by rich textual and material evidence This text enjoyed great popularity not only in Egypt but also in other countries of the Christian East since his dossier includes texts in Coptic Georgian Ethiopic and Arabic