Illuminating Diaspora: Architectural and Artistic Expressions in Fanousian Coptic Churches in America

This paper examines how the artistic program of Fanousian Coptic Churches in America reconfigures traditional liturgical spaces to reflect the evolving identities of diaspora communities. By analyzing both the aesthetic and architectural dimensions of worship spaces, the study explores the interplay between indigenous Coptic art forms and contemporary design practices. Fanous-inspired elements, a hallmark of cultural heritage, are reinterpreted to resonate with modern diaspora narratives, fostering communal identity and spiritual continuity. Drawing on site visits, interviews with church designers, and architectural analysis, the paper highlights the adaptive nature of Coptic liturgical art and its capacity to articulate historical memory, religious symbolism, and cultural belonging. The findings illustrate how material culture and artistic expression serve as pivotal markers in constructing a hybrid liturgical space, thereby offering new insights into the dynamic relationship between tradition and modernity in the American religious landscape. The study also reveals creative strategies that empower community voices.