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This monastic organization dates back nearly fifteen centuries, from when the Coptic Orthodox Church first suffered persecution by Islamic invaders of Egypt. Not a widely known group, the Coptic population in general (and some other Egyptians) would describe the Order of the Eternal Light as the guardians of Christian pilgrims and holy places in Egypt.

The order was very active at the time of the Crusades, defending the Egyptian Christians from Muslim persecution. Conditions for Christians in Egypt improved greatly by the 19th Century, and the Order dwindled in proportion. Up until the Great War they still escorted pilgrims to monasteries in the desert. Some members of the Order have also operated openly in Ethiopia, other parts of North Africa, and in the Middle East.

The home of the Order is at the Monastery of Saint Anthony, at an oasis in the Egyptian desert 100 miles southeast of Cairo. Some of them are found at most other Coptic Orthodox communities.

The Inner Secret

Members who have proven their faithfulness and skill are inducted into an "inner secret" of the Eternal Light, and are told of the danger posed by the Sect. They are trained in detecting and combatting the Sect and other adversaries. Upon completion of a series of tests of faith, knowledge, and prowess, candidates are inducted into the sept in secret and are then referred to as 'guardians', rather than brothers. The most faithful of these dedicants receive tattoos showing their beliefs and sacrifice. Members of the sept are given special dispensations from the Coptic Orthodox Church from their monastic vows. There are rumors of some guardians being selected from the most faithful members of the Coptic convents, as well. Only senior clergy of the Coptic Orthodox Church know of this special role of the Order of Eternal Light. The headquarters and library of the sept is believed to be located at the EI-Serian Monastery in the Western Desert.

There has been some contact over the centuries between the Order and some similar groups among the Muslims, Jews, Catholics, and Eastern Orthodox (see the Defenders of Truth ).