Our Parish

 As the first church in Kentucky, Holy Virgin Mary and St. Philopateer Coptic Orthodox Church has been a great blessing to the congregation of the area. The church is located in the heavily populated and accessible city of Lexington, the center of Kentucky. After many years of commuting to Ohio, all families collectively decided that it was time to have regular services in Lexington. With God’s blessings, we were able to establish bi-weekly services which were initiated by Father Rewis Awadallah, and are now continued by the wholehearted efforts of Father Bishoy Mikhail. In August 2005, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III approved our request for a church in Kentucky, and, in September 2005, Holy Virgin Mary and St. Philopateer was officially registered. Our church feels so fortunate to bear the name of the Mother of God and of a courageous martyr who rode a black stallion, an ironic symbol of this state. It was only with God’s immense mercy and amazing grace that the small numbers of families in Kentucky were able to have an official church in a relatively short period of time.

“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord Almighty” (Zachariah 4:6).

 We are praying that God will provide us with a permanent chapel of our own; however, for the time being, Centenary United Methodist Church has graciously accommodated our worship and has left us feeling forever indebted to their generosity and kindness.

May God continue to unite us in the Spirit through His love and peace, reward Father Bishoy with spiritual fire and good health, and grant us a permanent home so we can continue to worship Him freely

We meet regularly, so please call us for directions!

Contact: Mr. Alex Eskander - (626) 482-5002

Our Mailing Address:
Holy Virgin Mary and St. Philopateer Coptic Orthodox Church
P. O. Box 23660
Lexington, KY 40523