JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – June 1 marks Global Coptic Day, a worldwide celebration of the rich history and enduring faith of the Coptic Orthodox Church. The day commemorates the Holy Family’s biblical journey to Egypt, where Christianity took root as early as the first century through the work of St. Mark the Apostle.
“He came to the city of Alexandria, it was full of philosophers and the Library of Alexandria. And he came to bring the good news of the salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ,” Father Younan, Senior Priest at St. Demiana Church, said.
According to historians, St. Mark established the Church in Alexandria around 42 A.D., making it one of the oldest Christian communities in the world.
For centuries, the Coptic Church has endured persecution from Roman emperors to modern extremists. The period of Emperor Diocletian’s rule (284 A.D.) was so brutal that it became known as the “Era of the Martyrs” and marks the beginning of the Coptic calendar.
“Obviously today, once you say the word ‘Coptic,’ that is meaning ‘Coptic Christian.’ But in the general meaning, Coptic means Egyptian,” Ramez, co-founder of High End Journeys Travel, said.
The term “Copt” originates from the Greek Aigyptos, meaning Egyptian, and over time came to identify Christian Egyptians specifically.
Coptic tradition is rich in symbolism and ritual. Churches are often built in the shape of Noah’s Ark, symbolizing the Church as a vessel of salvation.
Inside, ostrich eggs are placed on the altar—an ancient Christian symbol of vigilance and resurrection.
“They watch their eggs very carefully. So we put the ostrich egg to remember that as the mother is looking over her eggs, our Lord Jesus Christ is looking down on us and protecting us,” Father Younan said.
From Ashes to Renewal: The Fire That Changed Everything
In 2020, tragedy struck the St. Demiana Coptic Orthodox Church in Jacksonville. A devastating overnight fire engulfed the church, destroying the building and deeply wounding the community.
“When we arrived, we found all the fire trucks and firemen trying to contain this fire, but they couldn’t; it was a huge one, like 30 feet high. A very tragic moment,” Father Younan said.
The building, once filled with icons, incense, and hymns, was reduced to rubble.
Just four months after the fire, the congregation found new hope. They purchased a new property on Old St. Augustine Road and began rebuilding with help from donors and community members.
“By the grace of God and the generosity of all the people who donated, we were able to purchase this new property. We are welcoming everybody to come and see our church and this beautiful, genuine faith,” Father Younan said.
The reborn St. Demiana Church is not only a house of worship—it’s a center for community outreach. The church runs:
- A medical clinic for low-income families
- Seasonal “free garage sales”
- Regular food and supply distributions for the homeless
“The Coptic Church of Egypt has this legacy really connected to the ancient Egyptian culture. That makes an amazing connection,” Ramez said.
Holy Liturgy at St. Demiana Coptic Orthodox Church is located at 10679 Old St Augustine Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32257. Services are held on Sundays from 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
From the sacred sands of Egypt to the rebuilt altar in Jacksonville, the Coptic Orthodox Church is more than just a remnant of ancient faith—it is a living, breathing community. As Copts around the world celebrate Global Coptic Day, the story of St. Demiana Church reminds us that even through loss and fire, faith endures—and rises again.
For more information, click here to visit the church’s website.
