CALIFORNIA UROLOGIST WORKS TIRELESSLY TO FOUND RARE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH IN BAY AREA, CALIFORNIA

Dr. Nabil Athanassious invites people of all denominations and geographic areas to join the efforts to build a new church. Donors names to be placed in alter to receive perpetual prayer. Volunteers needed as well.

Concord, CA -- August 29, 2003 -- Dr. Nabil Athanassious, a Urologist, is working hard to create something other-worldly-a new church. The faith that was given to us 2,000 years ago can be continued," says Athanassious. The Coptic Orthodox Church is an apostolic church-which means it was established by an apostle of Christ, St. Mark. Our community should know that people of all faiths are welcome to participate in our activities and services."

Although the new church building will sit on 3.6 acres of land in Concord, its members already attend services in a nearby, rented facility. Some even drive from Sacramento and Hayward, and everywhere in between, in anxious anticipation of this new community addition and to renew their faith. Athanassious travels to services from Vacaville. Athanassious says, The whole service itself is very interesting. There is much symbolism and tradition throughout the Mass." He continues, The priest prays in three languages: Arabic, Coptic but mostly in English so everyone can understand."

Athanassious is spending numerous hours trying to raise the $2 million necessary to build the church. He has created a non-profit organization to   facilitate this goal and has many fund-raising activities planned for the coming year. This year, a Pharaohs Festival is planned for the weekend of Sept. 26 through the 28th at The Gardens at Heather Farm in Walnut Creek.

We had a huge turn-out and it was a lot of fun last year. This year will be even better," says Athanassious. There will be many things for sale from Egypt-like jewelry, rugs, framed papyrus (ancient paper) and even chandeliers!. All of the food is homemade. There is nothing quite like a warm Shish Kabob and a piece of fresh Baklava."

In addition to food and unique things for sale, Athanassious says that attendees can get their picture taken in an ancient Egyptian costume, get their name printed in hieroglyphics (an ancient form of writing) or can just sit and listen to authentic Egyptian music. Fr. Anthony will give several interactive presentations about Egypt, the Pharos and the Coptic Church. We need additional volunteers," welcomes Athanassious. You do not have to be a member to volunteer. All you need is a willing heart."

In addition to religious services and Bible studies, St. Mary & St. Minas congregation has plans to contribute back to the communities that it serves. We have a strong youth program with many interactive things planned. They will sing at retirement homes, help with our aid programs and even have scheduled lunches and dinners together," says Athanassious. Not only do we want to give Back to our communities, but we want to encourage our youth to develop a relationship with God. We want the faith that was given to us 2,000 years ago to be continued."

Athanassious promises that whomever donates to the building of this new church, will have their names placed in the alter of St. Mary and St. Minas. Our kind donors will be remembered in perpetual prayer," says Athanassious.
                        
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Tax-deductible donations can be sent to: St. Mary & St. Mina Coptic Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 371295, Concord, CA 94527. Volunteers or people interested in attending services or becoming members can call Drs. Ikbal and George Fakhoury at 925-676 3921.

To reach Dr. Athanassious for comments, please call his office at 707-425-3888 press only). More about the fair, including directions, can be found on the web at http://st.mary_st.mina.tripod.com/festival.