Father Yohanna T. Guirgis (1923 - 2018) arrived in Ridgewood in 1973 from Egypt and established New York’s first Coptic Christian Church, St. Mary & St. Antonios, on Woodward Avenue in Ridgewood, Queens. As persecution against the Coptic Christians rose in Egypt, many sought refuge in the United States. Father Guirgis was one of the first of the Coptic Christians to arrive in the United States and began aiding other Coptic Christians arriving from Egypt. He rented space in a church and began ministry services for Coptic Christians as they were taught in Egypt. He also assisted Coptic Christians to obtain jobs and housing, often offering his own home until they got on their feet. For over 45 years, he aided hundreds of families.