Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church in Orange County is one of
the ten Coptic Orthodox Churches established in Southern California, by
the effort of His Grace Bishop Dioscorus, the service began in Orange
County.
In 1981, the Coptic families in the area purchased a
house and turned it into a church. The service continued regularly by
the efforts of Father Ibrahim Aziz, who used to celebrate the Liturgy in
the church every other Saturday, along with his regular service at St.
George Coptic Orthodox Church in Bellflower. A short time later, they
purchased another house near the church to be used as the priests
residence.
In 1985, Father Bachoum Habib served in the Church for
the next six months. He performed the liturgy every Sunday, which
allowed for the growth of the church congregation and attendance.
In 1986, His Holiness Pope Shenouda sent Father
Felimon Mikhail from Egypt to be the priest of the Church, and is
currently serving there since. From that time on, the Church prayers,
meetings, activities, and pastoral care began to be regular throughout
the week.
The thought of building a Church came about when the
Coptic congregation of the church increased in number. His Holiness Pope
Shenouda laid down the foundation of the building on November 11, 1989.
The construction went on from October 1990 until
September 20, 1992. His Holiness consecrated the Altar of the Church on
September 22, 1993.
In November 14, 1993, His Holiness Pope Shenouda
ordained Father Athanasius Ragheb as a priest. Over the years, the
church and its congregation grew and multiplied.
In June 30, 2002, His Grace Bishop Serapion ordained
Father Youhanna Ragheb Abdel Noor Ibrahim as a priest. May God bless our
congregation with the intercession of Archangel Michael, Amen.
