Torched Coptic Church in Surrey Was Haven for Immigrant Community (Surrey, Canada)

Vancouver Archbishop J. Michael Miller has extended support to Canada’s Coptic Orthodox bishop following the destruction of St. George Coptic Orthodox Church in Surrey, B.C. The church, described as a “haven” for new Canadians, was torched in an attack that left nothing but ashes. In a letter to Bishop Mina of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Mississauga, Vancouver and Western Canada, Archbishop Miller expressed prayers and condolences, emphasizing the shared grief of the Roman Catholic community.

The Archdiocese of Vancouver issued a statement condemning the attacks on churches and expressing solidarity with First Nations and Indigenous leaders who have called for an end to such acts. The statement also acknowledged the dedication of local police in protecting both property and people. The Surrey church was the most destructive attack on a church in Metro Vancouver, with firefighters arriving to find much of the structure already engulfed in flames.

St. George’s Coptic Orthodox Church served as a central gathering place for a relatively young immigrant community. Anthony Tadros, a parishioner, recalled that when he arrived in Canada in 1975, only about 17 Coptic families resided in the area. Early worship services were held in living rooms and rented halls, with a priest arriving every six months to celebrate the Divine Liturgy. In 1998, the church became the first officially consecrated Coptic Orthodox Church in British Columbia, presided over by the late Shenouda III, Pope of Alexandria and the 117th Patriarch of the See of St. Mark.

Today, the community of several hundred families places a strong emphasis on charitable work, offering services to newcomers such as airport pick-ups, assistance in finding affordable housing and employment, resume writing, tax filing, and cultural education. The church provides a space where individuals can practice their faith and connect with others of their own culture and language. Tadros described the church as a place where people feel spiritually connected to their maker and enriched in their relationship with the holy trinity.

The destruction of St. George’s has left the community in mourning, with many reflecting on the church’s role as both a spiritual and social anchor. The loss of religious artifacts, iconography, and other facilities has been deeply felt, marking a significant setback for the congregation. The incident has also raised concerns about the safety and security of religious institutions, particularly those serving immigrant communities. The community continues to seek ways to rebuild and restore the church’s role in their lives.

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