Who were the first women to see that Jesus had risen?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

According to the Holy Gospels and the tradition of the Coptic Orthodox Church, the first witnesses to the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ were the Holy Myrrh-bearing Women.

Chief among them was St. Mary Magdalene.

The Biblical Account

As recorded in the tradition of the Church and the Gospels (specifically John 20 and Matthew 28), the women went to the tomb very early on the first day of the week (Sunday), while it was still dark, bringing spices to anoint the body of Christ.

1. St. Mary Magdalene: She is uniquely honored as the first person to see the risen Lord. When she stood weeping outside the tomb, Jesus appeared to her. Initially, she thought He was the gardener, but when He called her by name, "Mary," she recognized Him and cried out, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).
2. The Other Marys: St. Matthew’s Gospel notes that "Mary Magdalene and the other Mary" (often identified as the mother of James and Joses) went to the tomb and were met by an angel who told them He had risen. As they ran to tell the disciples, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!".

Liturgical Significance

In the Coptic Church, this event is celebrated with great joy during the Feast of the Resurrection and throughout the Holy Fifty Days.

The women are called "Apostles to the Apostles" because they were sent by Christ and the angels to bring the "Good News" to the eleven disciples. Their faithfulness stands in contrast to the disciples who, at that moment, were hiding in the Upper Room for fear of the Jews.

We commemorate these holy women in our praises, acknowledging their courage to go to the tomb while the soldiers were guarding it and while the legalistic Jewish authorities remained hostile to the followers of Christ. Their witness is the foundation of the joy we proclaim in the paschal greeting:

Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!