Saint Abanoub and Saint Antony Coptic Orthodox Church was founded in 1989 as Copts moved eastward from the Los Angeles area. Initially, services were held in a rented church and private residence as Father Gawargious Kolta and Father Augustinos Hanna shepherded the flock.
In 1991, the late Father Samuel Samaan was ordained as priest of the church. The congregation in the area flourished from 15 families to over 200 families by early 2007. With the prayers of His Grace Bishop Serapion and the tireless efforts of Father Samuel and the congregation, the parish moved to a church complex in Norco and purchased the surrounding land totaling over 13 acres. His Holiness Pope Shenouda consecrated the church in 1994. In 2004, the congregation built additional Sunday School rooms adjacent to the church.
Father Antony Selim joined the church in October 2006 after serving both the Coptic Village and the congregation at Saint Mark’s in Honolulu. On March 2, 2007, Father Samuel Samaan reposed in the Lord after faithfully completing his service. Father Michael Gabriel, who served Saint Mark’s in Los Angeles, was ordained hegumen on March 15, 2007 and began his service at the parish.
The congregation is now in the process of expanding the church and adding a recreational facility with a soccer field and basketball courts.
Clergy
Fr. Michael Gabriel
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Fr. Michael’s Bio
Fr. Mena Fam
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Fr. Mena’s Bio
Fr. Kyrillos Tadros
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Fr. Kyrillos’ Bio