Gainesville's Coptic Orthodox Community

About Us

Saint Mary Magdalene Coptic Orthodox Church is located in the city of Gainesville, Florida. The city of Gainesville is a thriving town known for academic excellence and research and a renowned healthcare system. Gainesville is home to the University of Florida, ranked #5 among the public universities in the United States, and multiple medical facilities including the Veterans Administration, UF Health Shands Hospital system, and HCA. 

Our parish, comprised mostly of American-Egyptian professionals and university students, is part of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern U.S. under the auspices of His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef and the oversight of His Grace Bishop Basil, Auxiliary Bishop for the Florida Region of the Diocese. 

Our town attracts healthcare professionals and undergraduate and graduate students from across the state of Florida and the United States. Whether you pass through for a short visit or live in Gainesville, the impact of the liturgical life and a church community are vital for one’s journey on earth for eternal life.

Saint Mary Magdalene has a mission of ministry and evangelism to serve and bring into fellowship with Christ those traveling, seeking medical care, or relocated from their families and home churches for work or study. Through the Lord’s blessing, our community continues to bolster this environment of fellowship and evangelism, bringing others to the Orthodox faith in Christ Jesus. The families of St. Mary Magdalene's community have long been faithful stewards of serving the university students who travel far from their homes for academic excellence at the University of Florida. 

Clergy

Our parish is served by two clergy members from the Florida region: Fr. Silas Andrew of St. Shenouda the Archimandrite in Largo, Fla., and Fr. Jerome Maximous, Auxiliary Priest, of St. Mary & St. George in Tallahassee, Fla. 

New to Gainesville?

Saint Mary Magdalene Coptic Orthodox Church is home ​to the sons and daughters of the sister Oriental Orthodox Churches (Armenian, Eritrean, Ethiopian, Syrian, and Malankara). 

If you have just relocated to Gainesville, please be sure to complete the Member Registration Form. 

New to the Orthodox Church?

If you are new to the Orthodox Church and want to learn more about the Orthodox Faith, we invite you to start your journey and learn more about Orthodoxy on the Catechism Resources website. Feel free to contact us and set up a time to talk with a Father.