St George Coptic Orthodox Church

Was in the neighbourhood and dropped in for their weekly Saturday night Vespers and «Tabesha» service. The church members are relatively few but incredibly hospitable and welcoming. Within minutes you feel like you’re already part of the family! There is a warmth about the space. The imposing iconostasis and the sword-​wielding St. George on the immense curtain does nothing to intimidate one from sitting in one of the front pews. The space is a good mix of tradition and modernity — clean lines on the walls and a sharp projector screen as a worship aid, despite the beautiful icon and not-​mistaking-​it-​for-​not-​being-​a-​church layout.
The music is uniquely Coptic. For a Roman with some familiarity with the East, this was still a unique experience and I really enjoyed it. Joining in with the singing during Tabesha comes natural and it’s very much okay to not be perfect. I’m also very impressed with the involvement of the little kids in the prayer services. I’d love to see more visitors come for the Saturday night service just as many visitors attend St. Mark’s for their Sunday compline. The room is there and the soul yearns for it.
Afterwards, there is freshly baked bread in the basement with a cool stamp on it.
I hope to be back and encourage all Christians and people of good will to discover this gem of Kirkland.

What can I say? For me, it’s home.
Newly built church brings the ancient Coptic architecture into modern design and blends grandeur with grace. The people and pews are warm and inviting.
Recently added Coptic icons decorate front wall and the addition of a dome painting above the main altar bring the worshipers a step closer to heaven. I’d like to see more icons on the walls as they are still bare.
Downstairs is the main hall with full commercial kitchen which caters simple meals after the Sunday service. There are enough classrooms downstairs for all services and the entire structure is roomy.