Egyptian Christians will celebrate their culture and heritage with a free public festival this weekend at St. Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church in South St. Paul.

The Coptic Orthodox Church traces its roots to Alexandria, Egypt, in 43 AD, organizers for the event said. The church had its beginnings in Minnesota in the 1960s when a few students and professors at the University of Minnesota gathered to celebrate their faith. St. Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church was founded more than 30 years ago.

The festival will include short films and presentations about ancient and modern Egypt, King Tut's secrets, cultural and book exhibits, and performances by youth choirs. The festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at the church at 501 Sixth Av. in South St. Paul.

KEVIN GILES