On Saturday, July 16, His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion celebrated the inaugural Divine Liturgy at St. John Chrysostom American Coptic Orthodox Church in South Orange County. As with other ‘American Coptic Orthodox’ parishes in the Diocese, this parish was established to serve the new generations of Coptic Orthodox faithful who were raised in Western society as well as to reach out to non-Egyptians seeking the fullness of Orthodox Christianity as found in the ancient Church of Alexandria.
The inaugural Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the parish’s temporary location at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Mission in San Juan Capistrano, where Fr. Bill and his congregation have graciously welcomed this Coptic congregation.
In the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence delivered a beautiful homily on the Church as being ‘One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic,’ clarifying each word and applying it to the mission of this parish.
Overall, it was a blessed day attended by many families who joyfully gathered around His Eminence for his blessing and wisdom.
May God bless the service of this parish and every parish for the glory of His Name.
