About Us
The St. Macarius Coptic American Orthodox Church Parish
Christ-Centered Ancient Church with Modern Day Relevance
We are an Orthodox Church “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone”. Our roots are ancient, dating to first centaury Christianity in Alexandria. Our heritage is enriched by two millennia of commitment to the Gospel in doctrine, in liturgy, in church life and in patient endurance of persecutions. Our message to our modern world is personal, universal and ever relevant: Christ Jesus came into the world, was crucified, died and rose again to save sinners—“of whom I am the worst”.
Faithful to the Greatest Commandments – Love God and Your Neighbor
“On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets” Jesus said. We seek to live passionate lives for God, pursuing Him every day through prayer, Bible reading, service, giving, witnessing and in everything we do. We likewise abound with love to the community around us eager to minister to their needs whether physical, emotional, social or spiritual. We thrive on sharing the unconditional love of Christ with everyone we encounter in words and in deeds.
Mission Minded – Laboring with Faith, Diligence and Humility
“Go” was Christ’s last instruction to His church before ascending. We are eager to continue the mission of those early Christians and we wish to do it with their mission-minded attitude. Content in everything, but never complacent; always laboring to bring positive change in our world. Not fazed by obstacles, but using them as opportunities; always filled with faith in God’s power. Joyful in God’s blessing on us, but quick to dispense them unto other; always diligent in using our God given talents. Burning with zeal for the Truth, yet sharing it with all gentleness and respect; always showing genuine humility to all people. Serving men, for the Glory of God.
Committed to Unity in Diversity
We are multicultural community united in the body of Christ, the Church. “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body”, and though we are many, we “are all one in Christ Jesus”; One God, One Faith, One Hope. We believe that worship is the strongest anchor for our unity that transcends language, culture and ethnicity. It is in worship that we know how to rejoice together, how to celebrate together and when to weep together because we have a common connection with God that brings us to one another. We gather to be transformed by the presence of Christ among us during the liturgy which is the center of our life as a family. In all our dealing we are keen on being an authentic community rooted and grounded in genuine love, so that we may together know the love of Christ.
Seeker Friendly
We believe that every person who enters our church is the most important person in the world. That person is sent by God and should be loved and accepted as such. We all share the responsibility of creating an inviting environment where no one stands alone.
St. Macarius the Great
St. Macarius the Great of Egypt (c. 300–391 AD) was one of the most revered of the Desert Fathers and a pioneer of Christian monasticism. Born near the Nile in Lower Egypt, he lived a humble life as a camel driver before turning to solitude and prayer. After a brief time as a parish priest, he withdrew to the desert of Scetis, where he founded one of the first monastic communities, laying the groundwork for communal monastic life in the Christian tradition.
Macarius was known for his extraordinary humility, wisdom, and gentleness. He practiced extreme asceticism, often eating very little and living in silence and prayer. Despite his austere lifestyle, he was deeply compassionate, welcoming visitors and guiding monks and pilgrims with spiritual insight.
Many of his sayings are preserved in The Sayings of the Desert Fathers, and a number of profound spiritual writings are attributed to him. His teachings emphasize inner purity, watchfulness, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
St. Macarius is honored by the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Roman Catholic Churches, and his legacy continues through the monastic tradition he helped shape.
Coptic Orthodox Church
The Coptic Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, tracing its roots back to St. Mark the Apostle, who brought the Christian faith to Egypt around 43 AD. The word "Coptic" simply means "Egyptian," and the Coptic Church is the main body of Orthodox Christianity in Egypt and among Egyptian Christians around the world.
As part of the Oriental Orthodox family of churches, the Coptic Church holds firmly to the apostolic faith, the Nicene Creed, and the teachings of the early Church Fathers. It affirms that Christ is one nature—fully divine and fully human in one united nature without mingling, confusion, or separation.
The Coptic Orthodox Church is known for its deep spirituality, rich liturgical life, and strong monastic tradition—which began in Egypt through saints like St. Anthony the Great, St. Pachomius, and St. Macarius the Great. Its services are characterized by ancient hymns, reverent rituals, and the use of the Coptic language alongside Arabic and other local languages in diaspora communities.
The Pope of Alexandria is the spiritual leader of the Church, and is considered the 118th successor to St. Mark. The current pope is His Holiness Pope Tawadros II.
Despite centuries of persecution and hardship, the Coptic Orthodox Church has remained a faithful witness to Christ, offering a beautiful example of resilience, holiness, and unwavering love for God.