Saint Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church

Kamel](http://stmaryseattle.org/ArticlePages/FrBishoyKamel.aspx), who would pray in a rented facility when he had the chance to travel up from California. During the 1970's a wave of immigrants came from Egypt and by 1976 we had around 30 families. The church grew immensely from the 1970's to the 1990's.During that time the church was served by Father Rueweis El-Anthony from St. Anthony’s Monastery in Egypt, Father Angelos Saad, who now serves in Mississauga,Canada, the now reposed Father Ibrahim, and Father Takla Azmy. During their years of service, there was an increase in the size of the congregation which motivated a dedicated effort to look for a new site where adequate facilities can be established to serve the growing needs of the Coptic community in the area. In 2005, the Church moved to a new and bigger plot of land (current site). Also, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III appointed His Grace Bishop Abakir (currently overseeing the Coptic Diocese of Scandinavia) to coordinate the service of the church until His Holiness Pope Shenouda III appointed Father Arsanios Hanna in 2006 to serve the church, which he does so until now. Shortly after, St.Mary’s spiritual services and ministries grew alongside the congregation. To support growth, the Church expanded by acquiring the surrounding plots of land. Currently the church serves over 300 families. Our church focuses on being diverse both in membership and service. Everyone is welcome to join us in worship, and the various services (please see our website for a complete list). Causes and Services

St Mary’s leads all people from all backgrounds by giving them a helping hand designed to empower individuals to becoming self-sustainable active members of society. We as an organization are committed to providing those who are less fortunate with the tools, support, and counseling, necessary to becoming productive and self-sustaining community members in society. We offer these services regardless of the individual(s) religious affiliation. Tutoring, Counseling, and Activities, for Youth – The goal of this service is to support the various social and academic needs of the youth in the community. This service is intended to engage youth with successful professionals and peers that enable them to grow and reach their full potential. We offer academic assistance in Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, Computer Science, Business, and English. We empower youth by providing them with encouragement and assistance in many different platforms that extend to counseling and mentorship to discuss problematic issues faced by youth in today’s society such as, drug, career, and family issues. The group organizes weekly activities and meets on a weekly basis at various locations. Supplementing Food and Clothing for those without Homes - We believe no person can overcome life's most difficult obstacles if they are hungry and worried constantly about the harsh season conditions. The services we provide are the most basic needs of a human being; food and clothing. The mission for food and clothing is very straightforward. We feed those who are hungry and provide care kits that contain toiletries, blankets, gloves, scarves, and jackets for those who are less fortunate. New Immigrant Support Program

St Mary’s leads all people from all backgrounds by giving them a helping hand designed to empower individuals to becoming self-sustainable active members of society. Immigration Support – People who want to build a better tomorrow for themselves, spouses, and children should have access to all information, tools, and resources in order to allow for families and individuals to becoming successful. As an organization, we help families and individuals develop independence by offering financial, educational, and social support in order to maneuver the systems that exist in the communities today through our vast network of professional contacts and other organizations committed to serve this need. Some of the specific services St Mary’s does related to Immigration support are:

- Housing and furnishing homes until the individuals are able to obtain jobs and pay for essentials themselves.
- Pay for transportation until the individuals can pay for travel expenses.
- Career and social guidance

Tutoring, Counseling, and Activities, for Youth

The goal of this service is to support the various social and academic needs of the youth in the community. The group organizes weekly activities and meets on a weekly basis.