History of the League

🏀 EST. 2002 🏀

The North America Coptic League (NA Coptic League), was founded in 2002 by the late Hegumen Fr. Wissa Bessada and servants from Archangel Michael & St. Mena Coptic Orthodox Church in Staten Island, New York. Fr. Wissa was instrumental in establishing the Archangel Michael & St. Mena Coptic Orthodox Church in Staten Island, New York. Born on January 17, 1939, in Qina, Egypt, he graduated from Cairo University in 1959 and the Coptic Seminary College in 1965. He was ordained a priest by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III on July 23, 1976, initially serving at St. Mark's Church in El Abbasaya, Egypt. In 1979, he moved to St. Louis, Missouri, before beginning his service in Staten Island in 1980, where he devoted over three decades to his parish until his passing on April 28, 2013. 

Under Fr. Wissa's and his servants' leadership, the NA Coptic League started with just four teams in New York and New Jersey. Over the years, it has expanded significantly and, as of 2025, now includes 21 churches across three states: New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The league has grown to feature over 70 teams competing in divisions such as Junior High School Boys Division, High School New York Division, High School New Jersey Division, College Boys Division, Girls Division, and Men’s Division. It now involves more than 1,200 players, coaches, servants, and coordinators, utilizing over 10 courts for its activities. 

Today, the league is led by Fr. Yostos Bessada, who serves at St. George Coptic Orthodox Church in Astoria, New York, Fr. Michael Dosse, who serves at St. George Coptic Orthodox Church in Brooklyn,  NY, Fr. Gregory Bekhit, who serves at St.  Moses and St. Abraam in Piscataway, NJ, Fr. John Fahmy, who serves in St. John the Beloved and St. Mary Magdalene Coptic Orthodox Church in Whippany, NJ, and Fr. Suriel Andrawes, who serves in Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church in Howell, NJ. Alongside Fr. Yostos, Mr. Mark Megalla plays a key role in overseeing the league’s administration, ensuring its continued growth and success. 

The NA Coptic League remains dedicated to fostering fellowship, promoting physical well-being, and strengthening community bonds within the Coptic Orthodox Christian community through organized sports and related activities.