Our Story
Milestones in the Life of Our Church
St. Peter & St. Andrew Coptic Orthodox Church · Stamford, Connecticut
With thanksgiving to God, we remember the milestones that marked the beginning of our church home in Stamford. Each reflects His loving care and the faith, prayers, and service of His people.
2019
March 2, 2019
Receiving the Keys and Preparing God’s House
On March 2, 2019, we received the keys from the Episcopal Diocese to the church at 20 Brookdale Road, Stamford, Connecticut, and began gathering in the building for prayer.
March 16, 2019
Our Inaugural Divine Liturgy
On Saturday, March 16, 2019, we celebrated the first Coptic Orthodox Divine Liturgy in our new church home. His Grace Bishop David, our diocesan bishop, led this joyful celebration, joined by many fathers of the Diocese of New York and New England.
May 11, 2019
The Episcopal Diocese’s Service of Deconsecration
On May 11, 2019, the Episcopal Diocese held a service of deconsecration, bringing its ministry in this building to a close with prayer and blessing.
May 15, 2019
Completing the Purchase of Our Church Home
On May 15, 2019, the purchase of the church was completed, and the property at 20 Brookdale Road officially became the home of St. Peter & St. Andrew Coptic Orthodox Church.
September 13, 2019
Installing Our First Church Sign
On September 13, 2019, our first church sign was installed at the entrance, bearing the name of St. Peter & St. Andrew Coptic Orthodox Church.
November 3, 2019
Receiving Our Baptismal Font
On November 3, 2019, our church received its baptismal font—a joyful milestone in the growth of our sacramental life.
2020
March 21 – May 21, 2020
A Church United in Prayer: Our Journey Through the Pandemic
Less than a year after completing the purchase of our church in May 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic brought an unexpected challenge. As churches across Connecticut closed for public worship, we could no longer gather together in person. I moved our services into my home, where our congregation joined through Zoom and participated in the liturgical prayers.
2021: A Year of Renewal, Challenges, and Blessings
In 2021, St. Peter & St. Andrew Coptic Orthodox Church continued to grow as we cared for our church building and made improvements to support our life of prayer. The year brought joyful milestones and difficult challenges. Through them all, we experienced God’s mercy and the love and generosity of our church family.
April 15–17, 2021
New Carpet for the Church
We replaced the old green carpet, which had been in the building for decades, with the traditional red carpeting familiar in Coptic churches. Thank God, we were able to complete this much-needed renewal, bringing new warmth and beauty to our place of worship.
July 11, 2021
Screens to Help Everyone Follow the Liturgy
We installed television screens to help our congregation and visitors follow the liturgical prayers in Coptic, English, and Arabic. This helped worshippers of different ages and language backgrounds participate more fully in the services.
August 13, 2021
Mini-Splits for Our Sanctuary
After enduring the summer heat during services and liturgies over the previous two years, we experienced God’s gentle care and mercy through the installation of six split units providing both air conditioning and heating. This improvement made the church more comfortable for everyone gathered in prayer.
September 7 – October 24, 2021
Flood Cleanup and the Beginning of Rebuilding
Hurricane Ida brought severe flooding that damaged the entire first floor of our church building. During this period, we undertook the difficult work of cleaning up, removing damaged materials, and discarding items that could no longer be saved. These weeks marked the beginning of a restoration project that would take a couple of years to complete. Even in this hardship, we gave thanks to God for everything and drew strength from the love and dedication of those who helped us rebuild.
December 12, 2021
The Ordination of Deacon Stephen
Our church rejoiced as we welcomed His Grace Bishop David, who ordained Dr. Samir Malek as a deacon to serve St. Peter & St. Andrew Coptic Orthodox Church, giving him the name Stephen. It was a joyful day for our congregation as we received this blessing and celebrated his ministry of service.
December 17, 2021
Work on the Main Door and Gutters
Caring for an older building brought daily challenges, including needed work on the main entrance door and gutters. Through the love, generosity, and practical help of many people, we continued to meet these needs and care for the church entrusted to us. Each contribution helped preserve our church as a welcoming home for worship and fellowship.
2022: Growing in Holiness and Rebuilding in Faith
February 11, 2022
Saints Banners: Examples of Holiness for Every Child
We adorned the church walls with banners of the saints, bringing the beauty and spirit of our Coptic Orthodox tradition into our place of worship.
February 21 – December 11, 2022
First-Floor Construction: Rebuilding Together in Love
Slowly but surely, through God’s sustaining help and the love and generosity of our congregation, we moved forward with the full renovation of our first floor following the devastation of Hurricane Ida.
2023: A Year of Building, Fellowship, and Thanksgiving
In 2023, St. Peter & St. Andrew Coptic Orthodox Church continued restoring and caring for the house God entrusted to us. Month by month, the first floor took shape as a welcoming place for fellowship, learning, and service. We also addressed essential repairs to protect our church building. Through every project, we experienced God’s provision and the faithful love and generosity of our church family.
January 14 and March 3, 2023
New Bathroom Vanities
New vanities and fixtures were installed in the restrooms, completing another part of the first-floor restoration. These improvements helped make our facilities ready to welcome our congregation and visitors.
February 6 – October 13, 2023
A New Kitchen for Our Church Family
Over many months, an empty room was transformed into a fully equipped church kitchen. Equipment was carried in by hand, cabinets and countertops were installed, and the plumbing, propane line, range, and refrigerators were put in place.
July 3–5, 2023
Television Screens for the Sunday School Rooms and Fellowship Hall
Television screens were mounted in our Sunday School rooms and fellowship hall to support lessons, meetings, and gatherings. By allowing teachers and speakers to share pictures, videos, and presentations, these screens opened up new opportunities for learning and growing together in faith.
October 10–17, 2023
New Heating-Oil Tanks
In the midst of the construction work, the old heating-oil tanks began to leak, adding another unexpected challenge. With God’s help, we replaced them with new tanks so that the church could remain warm and welcoming throughout the winter services.
October 17–18, 2023
Caring for the Trees Around Our Church
After carefully assessing the trees around the church in the spring, we arranged for those that posed a danger to the building and our people to be removed in October. This work helped protect our church grounds and everyone who comes to worship, learn, and gather.
October 22 – November 6, 2023
A New Roof for Our Church
Repeated roof leaks had allowed water into the church, damaging the organ, pews, and icons. Replacing the roof became an essential step in caring for our place of worship.
October 26 – December 8, 2023
A New Ceiling and a Renewed Floor in the Fellowship Hall
The fellowship hall underwent another transformation as the old drop ceiling was removed, the floor was cleaned and polished, and a new ceiling with bright new lights was installed.
2024: Light, Beauty, and Care for God’s House
January 23, 2024
Church Well Pump Replacement: God’s Mercy in an Unexpected Challenge
Our church’s well pump broke just one day before a scheduled baptism, creating an urgent and unexpected need. In His mercy, God provided help through Foley’s Pump Service, who replaced the pump and restored the church’s water supply. We were grateful for their timely help and for God’s care through every challenge.
April 21–22, 2024
New Lighting for the Sanctuary
We added two spotlights to each of the central columns, bringing more light into the church and highlighting the beauty of the wooden ceiling. This thoughtful improvement revealed the warmth and detail of the woodwork, adding to the beauty of our place of prayer.
April 25 – June 28, 2024
The Last Supper Icon and the Cross Above the Iconostasis
During these months, the area above the iconostasis began to take shape, reflecting the beauty and tradition of a Coptic Orthodox church.
August 20–23, 2024
Outdoor Lighting, Electrical Work, and Internet Connections
We continued improving the church grounds and facilities with new outdoor lighting, electrical outlets, and internet connections.
September 11, 2024
Tree Work for the Safety of Our Church Family
As branches continued to fall onto cars and into the parking lot, further tree work became necessary. Trees and branches were cleared along the driveway and parking area to help protect our children, congregation, and visitors.
September 12, 2024
A More Comfortable Fellowship Room
Through God’s grace, we installed a split heating and air-conditioning unit in our fellowship room, creating a more comfortable space for our congregation and children throughout the year.
2025: Gifts of Love for Worship and Fellowship
May 16, 2025
New Lecterns for the Church
Through God’s grace, our church received three beautifully crafted Coptic lecterns, decorated with golden Coptic crosses. The main lectern holds the daily readings from the Katameros, while two smaller lecterns serve the deacons inside the sanctuary.
August 24 – September 13, 2025
Equipping Our Church for the Festival
Through the generosity of people who love our church, we received new equipment to support our festival and welcome our guests with warmth and hospitality.
2026: A Year of Restoration and Renewal
January 31 – March 12, 2026
The Puff Back and Restoration
An unexpected puff back, when the heating system’s burner misfires and blows soot through the building, spread soot through our church, leaving walls, stairs, and other surfaces in need of extensive cleaning. What followed was a demanding season of restoration, carried forward through God’s help and the care of everyone who supported the work.
March 31 – April 9, 2026
Clearing and Caring for Our Church Grounds
This spring, we continued caring for the grounds entrusted to us. Trees and bushes were cleared, opening up the surrounding areas and giving the property a cleaner, more welcoming appearance.
April 2, 2026
Holy Week Icons for Our Church
Before Holy Week 2026, four new icons were placed in our church: the Lord’s Entry into Jerusalem, His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection.
April 23 – June 1, 2026
Caring for Our Church Family: Safety, Security, and Water
Caring for our church involves both the beauty of our worship spaces and the everyday needs of those who use them. During these weeks, improvements included security cameras, a new wireless network, a fire alarm, an alarm system, and a water filtration system.
August 31 – September 12, 2026
Getting Ready for the Festival
Festival preparations brought another opportunity to work together in love. New equipment was readied for use, and posts were installed to hold the festival signs, helping us prepare to welcome our neighbors.
September 4, 2026
A New Storage Shed for Our Church
Through God’s grace and the generosity of those who love our church, we built a new storage shed to provide a safe, clean, and organized place for our festival equipment and church supplies.
September 8–21, 2026
New 100-Inch Screens for the Church
Four new 100-inch screens were installed, two above the iconostasis and two in the nave, making the displayed prayers and readings easier to see throughout the church. This improvement supports our congregation and visitors as they follow the services and participate together in worship.
September 14 – October 6, 2026
Restoring the Iconostasis — Preserving the Beauty of Our Church
The iconostasis holds an important place in the Coptic Orthodox Church, bearing the holy icons and marking the entrance to the sanctuary. Although our church has a unique architectural character, the iconostasis brings the familiar beauty of our Coptic tradition into our place of worship.
September 15, 2026
Repairing the Sewer Line
An essential sewer-line repair required excavation and work beneath the church grounds. Though less visible than many of our improvements, this repair was an important part of maintaining the building and supporting its daily use.