On December 7, 2009, His Grace Bishop Serapion and several diocesan priests celebrated the grand opening of the new church building at Archangel Raphael Coptic Orthodox Church in Palmdale, California. His Grace was joined by His Eminence Archbishop Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan, the Patriarchal Vicar of the Syrian Orthodox Archdiocese of the Western United States and several dignitaries, including:
- Mr. Norm Hickling, Field Agent for Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovitch
- Mr. Isaac Barcelona, Representative from City Councilman Pete Knite
- Mr. Drew Mercy, Representative from Congressman George Runner
- Mr. Raj Malhi, Representative from Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris
- Father Angus Dower from the Anglican Church
- Father Leo Dechant from Father Sierra Church
- Representatives from Grace Resource Center
The Diocese congratulates the clergy and congregation of Archangel Raphael Church for the blessing of this new church building and prays that the Lord may continue to bless thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.
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