Understanding the Meaning Behind Our Lay Leaders’ Logo
Discover the story, design, and spiritual symbolism behind the emblem of the Lay Leaders platform for the Diocese of New York & New England.

The Coptic Cross with Seven Stars
♰ At the top of the logo, the Coptic cross stands as a symbol of our faith and sacred heritage—rooted in Christ. This cross not only reflects our Coptic Orthodox identity but also reminds us that every act of lay leadership must be centered in Christ and His Church.
♰ Surrounding the cross are seven stars, representing the seven states served by the Diocese of New York & New England. These include:
• New York
• Connecticut
• Maine
• Rhode Island
• Massachusetts
• Vermont
• New Hampshire
♰ Just as stars guide travelers in the night, our diocese is called to shine with the light of Christ through the faithful service of its clergy and lay leaders in every region.

The Name
♰ Clearly written at the base of the logo, the name affirms our canonical identity as part of the Coptic Orthodox Church, rooted in the See of St. Mark in Alexandria, under the spiritual leadership of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II and the diocesan oversight of His Grace Bishop David.

The Winged Lion Holding the Bible
♰ This image is the traditional symbol of Saint Mark the Evangelist, the founder and patron of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
♰ The lion represents strength, courage, and the bold proclamation of the Gospel, just as Saint Mark proclaimed Christ in the face of persecution.
♰ The wings signify divine, heavenly movement, inspiration, and the swiftness with which the Word of God is carried to all nations—especially through the active, Spirit-filled service of lay leaders.
“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.”
— John 6:63 (NKJV)

The Book with the Cross
♰ The open book with the cross represents the Gospel—the Good News of Jesus Christ—proclaimed by the Apostles and handed down faithfully through the Church.
♰ It serves as a symbol of the Apostolic Tradition, which preserves both the written and living Word of God.
♰ This book emphasizes the centrality of Christ and the authority of Holy Scripture in shaping all aspects of ministry, teaching, service, and decision-making within the Diocese.
♰ Its open posture conveys the readiness of every lay leader to receive the Word, teach it to others, and serve in obedience to the Gospel.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
— 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NKJV)

Color Symbolism
Royal Blue
♰ Symbolizes heavenly calling and deep reverence. It reminds us that lay service is not casual—it is sacred, royal, and mission-driven.
Gold
♰ Represents the glory of God, the value of humble service, and the honor given to faithful laborers in the vineyard of the Lord (Matthew 20:1–16).

Our logo is more than a visual design—it is a theological and spiritual emblem. It captures our identity as Coptic Orthodox Christians in North America, our unity as a diocese across seven states, and our collective commitment as lay leaders to serve with strength, wisdom, and love, under the cross of Christ and in the light of the Gospel.
Let every servant who carries this logo remember:
“Each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” — 1 Peter 4:10

