HOWELL – For two weekends in a row, the Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church opened its doors, provided tours, and served up food for the 25th Annual Egyptian American Festival.
The event was open to the public and involved the participation of many of the church’s parishioners both young and old. The church is located at 7 Church Road and includes a school within the large building. Food, beverages, conversations and a tour of the church were all part of a festive autumn event.
Large crowds came out on both weekends of the event. On the upper level of the large church building, Egyptian food was available for purchase including shish kabob, kofta, kobelba, baklava, and pastries, plus various beverages such as soft drinks, coffee, and sugar cane juice.
There were vendor areas present on the upper floor as well as some children’s games. The event showcased the charm of ancient and modern Egypt and also served to educate the public about the Christians of Egypt.
Among those who provide guided tours of the church was Father Suriel who previously explained to The Howell Times during a tour that the term “Coptic” is derived from the Greek “Aigyptos” meaning Egyptian.
When the Arabs arrived in Egypt in the seventh century, they called the Egyptians “qibt” thus the Arabic word “qibt” came to mean both Egyptians and Christians. The term “Orthodoxy” refers to the presentation of the “original faith” by the Copts who, throughout the ages, defended the old creed against numerous attacks.
Two teenagers who attend the church’s school program provided a tour this year for The Howell Times, “The school goes from pre-K to high school,” high school student Mariam Gad, 15, said. “For the 10th and 12th grade the older students sit the kids down and give them information on how to teach other kids. They would then do shadowing in classes where they would sit behind those in classes, watch the person teaching and learn how they were teaching.”
She was joined by 12-year-old Labinia Derges. The pair showed the church area with its decorative artwork on the ceiling and walls. There was an area to light a candle to one of the individual saints where one can provide a prayer. “I go here every single week and say a prayer to Saint Mary and ask her to help me,” Mariam added.
Next it was time to visit the baptismal room that features areas for infants and adults. A special incense is used to sanctify the room during a ceremony. A smaller chapel area used for classroom instruction was another part of the tour.
Father Suriel noted that the Coptic Orthodox church does have some similarities to a Catholic Church but also has a very unique history. The first Coptic Church in North America “was in 1968-69 and Father Gabriel came and it was actually in West Side New Jersey. New Jersey has a long history; Coptic Christians didn’t leave Egypt for 2,000 years until Pope Cyril VI started sending people out from Egypt to come to New Jersey and other areas of America and Australia.” He said that pope “reformed the church by one way, just prayer.”
He added that the church was adorned with various works of art as Coptic Christians gain wisdom and faith from various icons that tell a biblical story.
Father Suriel explained the artwork represents visual reminders of how everyone can recall their own personal failings and learn from them to become a better person. The church has a large youth group and he noted it was the role of the clergy to visit the members of their congregation who often call upon them for advice and support.
“We have about 30 people working in the kitchen to prepare the food being sold. Everyone comes together to help. It is hard to tell how many come through here during the festival,” event volunteer George Fahly, 22 of Freehold remarked.
“I’ve been with the church since 2017. It has been very nice event,” he added.
Romany George of Howell was wearing a pharaoh’s costume to add a little fun to the festival. He was among the vendors of the day. “I moved here in 2019 and have been part of this event.”
In the main area there was a book store, face painting for the children, custom soda, rolled ice cream and an abundance of food, lots of volunteers from the parish, and even a visiting bishop.
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