A huge fire that erupted at 10pm on Saturday 5 August at the Coptic Orthodox Church of St Mary and St Moses in Norwich, Connecticut, left the church severely damaged.
Firefighters rushed to the church and found the fire had consumed about 20 per cent of the 119-year-old church. Several fire departments worked together to fight the flames and save the building. They stopped the fire from spreading to the entire church but, by the time the fire was extinguished it had eaten the main worship area. About 35 per cent of the building was damaged by fire and other areas suffered from smoke and water damage. The roof and windows were scorched, and the iconostasis and furnishings ruined.
The priest, Fr Thomas Qulta, had left the church at 9pm. One of his neighbours informed him of the fire, and he rushed to the church site. He later said he was devastated at the damage. “The fire destroyed everything,” he said. “Not only the building, but everything we own is gone. We have to start all over again. From scratch.”
Fr Thomas was alluding to the fact that the church of St Mary and St Moses had been purchased last March by the Coptic Orthodox congregation to serve their spiritual needs. The congregation includes 18 families that comprise some 75 members. The church, known as the green church because of its colour, had previously belonged to the Congregational Church.
Fr Thomas said that the church would be rebuilt but, until it is again ready for worship, the congregation would rent a space to hold services in. He already called for donations to help rebuild.
The cause of the fire is being investigated by the police.
Watani International
8 August 2023