MONCLOVA, Ohio — A church in western Lucas County is laying the groundwork to expand their building and mission.
Saint George Coptic Orthodox Church in Monclova Township held a groundbreaking on Sunday for their new service building.
The church was built in 2002 – when it served just seven families. Since then, St. George has grown in size to about 55 to 60 families and serves Copts all around the area.
The new building will serve as a safe gathering place for church members but also a resource for the community. The church’s co-founder, Hany Jacob, says plans include adding a coffee shop and internet access.
"After church, we want to be here and socialize and eat, but during the week we hope that this building is only serving the community and serving the under-served, and then helping the people, the neighbors to grow in faith and in love,” said Jacob.
The foundation will be laid later this week and the new building is expected to open one year from now.
The Coptic Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, originating in Egypt during the first century A.D.
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