Hegumen

Fr. Athanasius was born on September 14, 1949 and was raised in Assiut, Egypt. A diligent student, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 1973 in Cairo. Upon completing his studies, he returned to Assiut where he opened his own pharmacy to serve the needs of his local community with dedication and care.

In 1980, Fr. Athanasius entered into the sacrament of marriage and, shortly thereafter, he immigrated with his wife to Southern California in 1981 where they were blessed with four children. In his new home, he became a cornerstone of the growing Coptic community, serving as a Youth Leader and Sunday School Teacher and inspiring countless hearts in their faith.

In 1993, Fr. Athanasius was chosen to be a presbyter for Archangel Michael Church in Santa Ana. On November 14th, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III ordained him at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Cairo. His ministry at Archangel Michael Church flourished as he devoted himself to serving the spiritual and physical needs of his community. Among his notable achievements, he established a Food Bank for the underprivileged, created a home for widows, and served as a spiritual father to hundreds, offering guidance, compassion, and unwavering support.

As the church experienced remarkable growth, the need for additional facilities became evident. Under the guidance of His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion and with the collective efforts of the clergy and congregants, a secondary church location was established. Then in June 2014, Metropolitan Serapion entrusted Fr. Athanasius with the responsibility of serving as a permanent priest at the new location. On October 14, 2014, the altar was joyfully dedicated to Saint Pope Kerollos VI.

On Sunday, October 18, 2015, during his first pastoral visit to the Diocese at Saint Pope Kerollos VI Church, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II elevated Fr. Athanasius to the priestly dignity of hegumen. This honor is a testament to his enduring commitment to his faith, his community, and his tireless service to God’s work.

Presbtyer

He was born in El Menia Egypt in 1963. He earned a Bachelors of Science in Architectural Engineering from the University of El Menia in 1986. He also worked in Qatar for several companies specializing in design, engineering consulting, and project management until 1999 when he immigrated to the US. In the US he served at Saint Marina and Pope Kyrillos VI Church prior to his ordination as a Priest by H.E. Metropolitan Serapion on August 5 th , 2018.

Presbtyer

Fr. Kyrillos was born on July 3, 1987, in Tacoma, WA and lived in Puyallup, WA for over 16 years. 

In 2004, he and his family moved to Orange County, CA and began attending and serving at St. Marina Coptic Orthodox Church in Irvine until the time of his ordination to the priesthood in 2022. Upon moving to California, he finished his high school education at Trabuco Hills High School, which he graduated from in 2005. 

In 2011, he graduated from California Polytechnic University in Pomona, CA and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on Accounting. As a licensed Certified Public Accountant, he spent most of his career as an Internal Auditor and eventually moved into a corporate management role with Amazon. 

In 2013, he married his wife Deena and they have two children together: Nicholas and Juliana. 

In 2022, God called him to the priesthood. He was ordained Deacon on July 28, 2022 at St. Marina Coptic Orthodox Church in Irvine by His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion, accompanied by His Grace Bishop Suriel, His Grace Bishop Abraham, and His Grace Bishop Kyrillos, and on July 31, 2022, he was ordained Presbyter at St. Pope Kerollos IV Coptic Orthodox Church in Westminster by His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion and Their Graces.