Coptic Catholics find new home in Perth Amboy

Years of planning, toil and prayer came to a triumphant conclusion Sept. 21 as the Coptic Catholic community celebrated its new home in Perth Amboy.

“This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice,” declared Bishop James F. Checchio at the Solemn Opening Liturgy of Jesus the King Coptic Catholic Church. The congregation, which had been worshipping in rented spaces around the state, now will call the former St. Mary Church on Center Street its permanent spiritual home. 

In addition to Bishop Checchio, who attended in choir (see sidebar), celebrants of the liturgy included leaders of the Coptic Catholic community from around the world including His Beatitude Bishop Ibrahim Isaac Sidrak, the Coptic Catholic Patriarch of Alexandria, Egypt; Bishop Pola Shafik, Apostolic Visitor of America and Canada, and Bishop of the Diocese of Ismailia in Egypt; Jesus the King pastor Msgr. Malak Saadalla, and Deacon Sabry Abdel-Malak.

The liturgy was celebrated in both Arabic chant and English scripture passages from the letter of St. Paul to the Colossians, the Book of Revelations and the Gospel of St. Matthew, all accompanied by triangles, cymbals and drums. English translations were broadcast on video screens erected on columns throughout the church to assure all might worship together.

During his remarks, Msgr. Saadalla thanked the scores of individuals and groups instrumental in establishing the parish, saying, “It was a dream for our people to find a place we can pray and be open to others attracted to our rituals and firm traditions… We are not celebrating the building, not celebrating the walls, but celebrating the great gift of a home for prayer.”

Patriarch Bishop Sidrak issued a challenge to the congregation. “From now on, we are going to talk about the future, not the past,” he said. “Our faith, and our future, is in Jesus Christ. We have to be an active, creative witness to Christ in everything we do.” 

According to the church’s website, the Coptic Catholic Church in New Jersey has been served by priests from the Church of Brooklyn for more than 30 years in Old Bridge and for more than nine years in Bayonne until a full-time priest was appointed in 2016. The community’s dream of finding a consolidated, fixed place to worship was realized with the purchase of St. Mary Church, closed by the Diocese of Metuchen in Sept., 2015. 

The renamed Jesus the King Coptic Catholic Church is affiliated with the Church under the patronage of the Diocese of Metuchen and the Coptic Catholic Patriarchate in Egypt under the auspices of Patriarch Ibrahim Isaac; its motto is “I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:18.)

In a video on its website detailing the creation of the new Jesus the King Parish, Msgr. Saadalla noted the process to purchase the former St. Mary Church began in Dec., 2022, with worship commencing the next year. Extensive renovations were necessary to repair and update the church whose cornerstone was laid in 1903: the roof, electricity and plumbing of the church and rectory were renewed, as was the large church basement in which meetings and celebrations are held.

Despite the many faithful from around the world who contributed their funds and labor, Msgr. Saadalla reserved his highest praise for the Almighty, declaring, “God alone was leading this project, and God alone was the planner.”

Bishop Checchio presented the church with a mayoral citation on behalf of the City of Perth Amboy. Signed by Mayor Helmin Caba, it bade a warm welcome to the new faith community. “May your church be a lasting sanctuary, offering strength, guidance and inspiration for generations to come,” it read. “As you embark on this new chapter, may faith, hope and love uplift all who seek its embrace, leaving a profound and enduring impact in their lives.”  

The Bishop also thanked the Coptic Catholics on behalf of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen. He said, “This church served the immigrant Irish community 170 years ago, and it is great to have it serving the same purpose today: to build up the Kingdom of God here in New Jersey. Now you in the Jesus Our King community will do the same exact thing.”

The Coptic Catholic Church in America has about 250,000 members served by more than 200 churches in five congregations (Los Angeles, New Jersey, Brooklyn, Nashville and Boston.) During its liturgies, it uses the Coptic Rite and Coptic language derived from ancient Egyptian. It is in full communion with the Pope in Rome.
 
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“IN CHOIR”   
When the bishop is present at a liturgical event, but does not preside, he is considered to be in attendance “in choir.” On these occasions he wears what is known as “choir dress” – a purple cassock, a surplice (short white garment) with mozzetta (a matching purple colored buttoned vestment worn over the shoulders). On top, he wears his pectoral cross on a green cord, symbolizing keeping the Cross of Jesus near his heart. Green is still considered the color of bishops, which is why on their coats of arms the galero and tassles are green. However, most bishops in day-to-day wear will wear their cross on a silver or gold-colored chain, with the cross itself tucked into a pocket. When the bishop is in choir, he is not seated at the cathedra but at some other suitable place within the Sanctuary.