Establishment of Holy Nativity Church
On Thursday, March 22, 2018, at St. Abanoub Coptic Orthodox Church in Norco, California, His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion, Metropolitan of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles, met with the parish priests of St. Abanoub, Fr. Michael Gabriel, Fr. Mena Fam, and Fr. Raphael Maher, together with the faithful from the surrounding communities of Eastvale, Mira Loma, Jurupa Valley, Ontario, and Fontana.
Recognizing the rapid growth of these communities and the need for a local parish to serve them, His Eminence and the congregation agreed to establish a new church within the Diocese. Thus, Holy Nativity Coptic Orthodox Church was founded.
The Inaugural Divine Liturgy
On Saturday, April 28, 2018, His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion, together with Fr. Michael Gabriel, Fr. Mena Fam, Fr. Bishoy Ray, and Fr. Raphael Maher, celebrated the inaugural Divine Liturgy of Holy Nativity Church.
The newly established church began its liturgical life by renting the cafeteria of a public elementary school in Jurupa Valley, where Saturday Divine Liturgies were celebrated to serve the growing congregation.
In December 2018, the church moved into a 3,000 square foot office suite. Although modest in size, this facility provided a dedicated location for worship and ministry throughout the week.
Around this time, His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion permanently assigned Fr. Raphael Maher as the full time priest of Holy Nativity Church after his previous service at St. Abanoub Church in Norco.
The first Divine Liturgy in the new location was celebrated on the Feast of the Holy Nativity with the blessing and presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion.
Securing a Permanent Church Home
lthough Holy Nativity Church was originally established to serve the communities of Eastvale, Mira Loma, and Jurupa Valley, God’s providence opened the door to an even greater opportunity.
During the search for a permanent church home, the congregation was presented with the opportunity to purchase a former Methodist church located in western Riverside. Through the grace of God and the generosity and sacrifices of the faithful, the property was purchased for $2.7 million, with escrow closing on April 10, 2022.
The church campus consists of three buildings.
A 4,600 square foot church sanctuary.
A 5,600 square foot Sunday School building.
A 4,400 square foot social hall.
Although the buildings required significant renovation because of their age, God had provided the congregation with a permanent home and the opportunity to restore, remodel, and expand the campus as the parish continues to grow.