What is the Coptic Church?

St. Mary & St. Philopater Mercurius Coptic Orthodox Church is a growing member of the global Coptic Church. The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria was established by the evangelist St. Mark, who authored one of the four Holy Gospels, in the middle of the 1st century, and has preserved the apostolic faith of the early church for the 2000 years since. Every successive generation of Copts has carried on the authentic worship of the early Christian community to today.

Just as the ‘Greek’ or ‘Russian’ Orthodox Churches, “Coptic” means ‘Egyptian’ . Discrimination against Christians has increased very starkly in Egypt, and at the same time, throughout the Middle East at-large. For this reason, a diaspora of Copts to the lands of immigration, including this blessed country (the United States), has ensued. Today, there are an estimated 600,000 Copts in the United States.

About St. Mary’s

St. Mary & St. Philopater Mercurius Coptic Orthodox church is located in Tuckahoe, VA, and originated from just a few families starting in 1993, to now over 200+ families! Our particular Church was founded in 2017, from our original parish of Archangel Michael & St. Anthony in south Richmond. We are currently in the process of building a second building in order to continue meeting the needs of our community. We are proud to bring the rich history of the Coptic Church to Richmond, VA!

Anyone is welcome to visit us for worship. There is a great amount of diversity within our church, and we offer services in both English and Arabic. Our schedule can be found on the Calendar page of the website.

We look forward to meeting you!

Our Beliefs

We believe in One God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Blessed and Holy Trinity is our One God.

Worship

To love and glorify Christ and foster a personal relationship with Him through prayer and community.

Discipleship

To transform our lives through our love for Christ and learning the message of the Orthodox teachings.

Mission

To bring others closer to Christ by demonstrating His teachings, sharing the gospel, and loving unconditionally.

Meet Our Priests

Father Mercurius

Father Mercurius started his journey when he joined the Saint Mina Monastery in Egypt in September of 1986. Just four years later he was ordained by Pope Shenouda III as a monk. He was called to serve as Priest in our congregation and has been since 2017. He is currently a Protopriest (Hegumen).

Father Arsanious

Learn more about Father Arsanious… Coming soon!

H.G Bishop Michael

His Grace Bishop Michael is the presiding Bishop over multiple Churches both in Virginia & Maryland, some of which he helped found; one of the most well known being the Church of St. Mark in D.C. He was ordained a Bishop on the feast of Pentecost in 2009 by Pope Shenouda III.

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II is the 118th and current Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark. He was enthroned on November 18, 2012 as the successor of the late Pope Shenouda III. The Coptic Orthodox Church operates under the guidance of the Holy Synod which is lead by H.H. Pope Tawadros III. May the Lord keep him and confirm him on his throne.

Want to know more?

Email, visit in person, or give us a call!