As you know, I normally don't send any emails out on Sunday... and... I almost never send emails out that are of a fundraising nature.

 

But this one is different.

 

First of all, we have an extraordinary opportunity to establish and stabilize the Coptic Orthodox Church in Turkey. This will help reach new and dedicated worshippers in the Diaspora.

Secondly, this is not an email for donations in the traditional sense. There is an element to the donation which, God willing, will provide an ROI to each person (after approximately 3-4 years).

 

 

Last month, Fr. Mark -- our 1st ever Coptic Orthodox priest for Turkey -- was ordained.

 

In order to stabilize the Church's service there, a viable pathway for citizenship for him was identified by utilizing a real estate investment procedure: By acquiring a property worth $400K, Fr. Mark can secure citizenship (which is basically necessary) within approximately 4 months. The property must be held for 3-4 years, during which time it may be rented out, and eventually sold, hopefully recovering the principal amount, plus any dividends.

 

The sole aim is to ensure the Church’s stable presence in Turkey. If Fr. Mark is considered a foreign priest, this could affect his ability to stay in the country.

 

Therefore, based on the viable real estate investment pathway described above, the idea was to have a group of successful Copts who would love to serve to support and invest by having shares in this project to build our Coptic existence in Turkey.

 

 

Abouna Daoud Lamie will be in charge of this project. (If you don't know who Abouna Daoud is, His Reverence is one of the most active, respected and well-known Coptic priests around the world.) 

 

Already 65% of the necessary donation has been collected; approximately 35% or $140K remains. Any monetary increments donated/invested would be a blessing.

 

 

 

May the Lord bless your offerings.