Saint Mark Coptic Orthodox Church (Heliopolis)

The Coptic Church of Saint Mark is the first Coptic community, which was built and founded in Cairene district of Heliopolis in Egypt. As one of several Coptic Orthodox churches is St. Mark's Church dedicated to the Cleopatra Street, near the Cleopatra Hospital.

History

The idea of a church founded in Heliopolis is from the year 1917. A committee was formed, and finally 16 June 1922 on Friday laid the cornerstone of the papal reign of Pope Kirellos V.. Prayers were held in a temporary location and began in January 1925. This was until 1930, the case, as the construction was finally completed. The late Fr Ibrahim Luke served as the first priest, and remained until his death in 1950 at the St. Mark's Church. Today there are at least ten priests, acting alone for the St. Mark's Church.

Some of the adjoining lands were bought in 1948 to build the hall and the chapel of the church. It was Pope Kirellos VI. opened on 5 June 1964. A new altar, which bears the name of Saint Menas, was inaugurated.

Pope visits

Since the St. Mark's Church has a long history, there have been several cases where papal visits were carried out by various Coptic Popes. Among these are:

• Pope Joseph II: laid the cornerstone of the church hall.
• Pope Kirellos VI:. Prayer for 1960 and 1964 for the opening of the church hall.
• . Pope Shenouda III visited them several times; Was conceived in 1973 and 1981 for prayers, and a recent visit in 2000, when the 50th anniversary of Fr Ibrahim hatch.