“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (1 John 3:16)
Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate – The Church of Alexandria

St. Mary & St. Athanasius Coptic Orthodox Church
Reaching out to Somerset and Hunterdon Counties in NJ

Message to Congregation – November 23, 2020

Due to the rise of infections, some churches have wisely halted services to prevent the spread. For proactive reasons, we returned in-person meetings to virtual, and canceled liturgies the weekend and week after Thanksgiving.

It is critical for parishioners not to undermine the efforts of the church.
If you choose to gather with family or friends (this includes youth gatherings), then automatically assume you have been exposed, so please avoid others and church services.

His Grace Bishop David had requested of the clergy to discourage parishioners from going church to church for the obvious reasons of contaminating one region from another.

The Church, like God, does not take away free will, but it is obligatory to protect each other and neighboring churches.