St. Mary & Pope Kyrillos VI Coptic Orthodox Church

Did the spirit of resilience ever whisper to you amidst the humdrum of suburban life? Here at St. Mary & Pope Kyrillos VI Coptic Orthodox Church, that whisper echoes loud and clear. This church, nestled off the Great South Western Road, stands as a testament to the power of community and faith. St. Mary & Pope Kyrillos VI wasn’t always a Coptic Orthodox sanctuary. It began its life in 1938 as a humble Anglican hall, designed by Seely and Paget. For decades, it served the local Anglican community. But in 2004, it faced a crisis. The church was declared redundant. Its doors were threatened with closure. Demolition loomed, with plans for housing to take its place. Yet, the story of St. Mary & Pope Kyrillos VI doesn’t end there. The building persevered, a silent sentinel awaiting its rebirth. In 2008, the Coptic Orthodox community, specifically St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Kensington, recognized the potential within these walls. They acquired the land and hall. Weekly masses began, held in a small room tucked away behind the main hall. The vision for a new parish took root. The late Metropolitan of Milan, His Eminence Anba Kyrillos, championed the transformation of the hall into a full-fledged church. In 2014, Father Morkos Fakhry was ordained as the parish priest by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II. He celebrated the first mass in the newly renovated space on April 10th, 2014. The church continued to evolve. Improvements and expansions took shape, reflecting the growing congregation and its vibrant spirit. The culmination of this transformation arrived in May 2017. His Holiness Pope Tawadros II himself consecrated St. Mary & Pope Kyrillos VI Coptic Orthodox Church. A few months later, with the establishment of the Diocese of London, the church found its place within the larger Coptic Orthodox community under Archbishop Angaelos. Today, St. Mary & Pope Kyrillos VI stands not just as a place of worship but also as a beacon of community service. They reach out to the vulnerable, offering meals and support to those in need. They embody the spirit of Matthew 28:19-20, making disciples and serving their community with unwavering dedication. As you stand before St. Mary & Pope Kyrillos VI Coptic Orthodox Church, remember its journey. It’s a journey of resilience, transformation, and unwavering faith, a testament to the power of community to breathe life into even the most challenging of circumstances.