St. Philopateer Coptic Orthodox Church

This church was named after St. Philopateer Mercurius, a 3rd century soldier who was martyred for his faith. The city of Richardson was chosen as the site for this new church in order to accommodate the growing population of Copts in the suburbs of Dallas.

The Coptic Orthodox Church was established in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ by St. Mark the Evangelist in the city of Alexandria, Egypt around 43 A.D. The term "Orthodox" refers to the preservation of the "Original Faith" by the Copts who, throughout the ages, defended the Old Creed against the numerous attacks aimed at it. Less changes have taken place in the Coptic Church than in any other church whether in the liturgical practices or the ritual and doctrinal aspects. The Coptic Church is an Oriental Orthodox Church and as such, is in communion with the Othodox churches of Armenia, Ethiopia, India and Eritrea.