The Nativity of St. John, the Baptist.
7th July - 30th Baouna
On this day, the church celebrates the nativity of St. John the Baptist. He whom none born of women was greater. He who kneeled to the Lord Christ while he was still in his mother›s womb, and was worthy to lay his hand upon the head of the Son of God during Baptism. The Holy Bible said about him: «Now Elizabeth›s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her. Now so it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. And his mother answered and said, ‹No; he shall be called John.› But they said to her, ‹There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.› So they made signs to his father; what he would have him called. And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, ‹His name is John.› And they all marveled. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God. He prophesied about his son, saying. ‹you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways.›» (Luke 1:57-76)
And was martyred for his witnessing to the truth. May his prayers be with us and Glory be to God forever. Amen.
The Martyrdom of Saint Febronia the Ascetic.
8th July - 1st Abib
On this day, St. Febronia, the ascetic virgin, was martyred. This saint was the niece of the superior of a convent that had fifty virgins, in a place called “Ouryana” in Mesopotamia. Her aunt brought her up in the fear of God and taught her the reading of the Holy Books. St. Febronia vowed herself to the Lord Christ, and she fought the good fight by asceticism, fasting for two days at a time, and unceasing in her prayers. When Emperor Diocletian issued his edict to worship idols, many Christians were martyred by his hands. When the virgins heard that, they were afraid and left the convent and went into hiding. None was left in the convent except St. Febronia, another sister and the abbess.
On the following day, the envoys of the Emperor came, seized the abbess, and humiliated her. St. Febronia said to them, “Take me and set free this old woman.” But they took her as well, bound in ropes, and brought them to the Governor. At that time she was twenty years old, and was attractive. The Governor asked her to worship the idols and promised her many things but she refused. He ordered that she be beaten with rods, and her dress to be torn off. The abbess cried out to him saying, “May God rip you up, O wild beast, for you want to put to shame this young orphan girl.” The Governor was wrathful, and ordered St. Febronia to be squeezed by the wheel, and to comb her body with an iron comb until her flesh was completely torn. During all that, she prayed to the Lord asking for help. He then cut out her tongue and smashed her teeth so that she could not pray. But the Lord strengthened her and comforted her. Finally, the Governor ordered her head cut off, and she received the crown of martyrdom. A righteous man took her body and shrouded it with costly shrouds, and placed it in a golden box. May her prayers be with us. Amen.
The Departure of St. Kyrillos (Cyril) the First, the Twenty- Fourth Pope of Alexandria.
10th July - 3rd Abib
On this day, of the year 160 A.M. (June 27th, 444 A.D.), the great father, the pillar of faith and the lamp of the Orthodox church, St. Kyrillos (Cyril) the First, the Alexandrian Pope, and the twenty-fourth Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, departed. This saint was the son of the sister of Pope Theophilus (23rd patriarch). He was raised by his uncle at the school of Alexandria where he was educated in its Theological and Philosophical subjects needed to defend Christianity and the Orthodox faith. After he learned a great deal of these subjects, his uncle sent him to the monastery of St. Macarius in the wilderness. There, he became a disciple to a righteous old monk called Sarabamon. He taught him the church books, and the sayings of the pure fathers. He trained his mind and body by practicing the works of righteousness and virtues for a period of time. After he spent in the wilderness five years, Pope Theophilus sent him to Abba Sarapion, the honorable bishop, so he increased in wisdom and knowledge. Shortly after, the bishop returned him to Alexandria. His uncle was rejoiced, ordained him a deacon, appointed him a preacher in the cathedral and made him his scribe. Whenever Kyrillos gave a sermon, he captured the hearts of his listeners with his eloquence, fluency, and his strong influence. Since that time, he became well known for his vast knowledge, his great righteousness, and his deep influence in his teaching. When his uncle Pope Theophilus departed in the 18th of Babah 128 A.M. (October 15th, 412 A.M.), they enthroned this father in his place on the 20th day of Babah, 128 A.M. (Oct. 17th, 412 A.D.). The church was illumined with his knowledge, and he gave special attention to resisting paganism and defending the Christian faith. He started to refute the falsity of Emperor Julian the Infidel in his ten essays that had been written after his apostasy. These were the favorite readings of the pagan young people of Alexandria and their pride, for they believed that it destroyed the principles of the Christian faith. Pope Kyrillos refuted them in terms that were clear, strong and convincing. He set out to rebut the heretics until he was able to close their churches and seize their contents. He ordered the expulsion of the Jews from Alexandria which led to a disturbance and confrontation between the Jews and the Christians. This led to the widening of the contention between the governor and this great saint. Because of his strong devotion to the Christian ethics and teachings, he found himself compelled to ask for reconciliation with the governor. However, the governor refused to accept the reconciliation, and the conflict between them continued for a period of time.
When the heresy of Nestorius, Patriarch of Constantinople, emerged, a Universal Council convened for him. He denied that the Virgin was the mother of God (Theotokos). Two hundred bishops assembled in the city of Ephesus during the reign of Emperor Theodosius II, known by Theodosius the Less. St. Cyril (Kyrillos), Pope of Alexandria, presided over this council. He debated Nestorius, explained to him his heretic opinion, and threatened him with excommunication and exile from his Chair, if he did not change his erroneous opinion. St. Kyrillos composed twelve discourses wherein he explained the true faith, refuting the error of Nestorius. Anba John, Patriarch of Antioch, and some of the bishops of the East disagreed with him, taking Nestorius› side. Nevertheless, shortly after, they came back and agreed with Kyrillos who was victorious over the enemies of the church. He wrote many discourses and valuable epistles, confirming in them, that God the Word is One Nature, One Will, and One Person incarnated. He anathematized anyone who separated Christ or differed from this true faith. The Emperor exiled Nestorius in the year 435 A.D. to the land of Egypt, and remained in the city of Akhmim until his death in the year 440 A.D. From the monumental works of Pope Kyrillos was the commentary of the Holy Books. When he finished his strife, he fell sick for a short time and departed in peace. He remained on the Alexandrian Chair for thirty-one years, eight months, and ten days. May his prayers be with us. Amen.
The Martyrdom of Sts. Peter and Paul, the Apostles.
12th July - 5th Abib
On this day, the two great saints Peter and Paul, were martyred. Peter was from Bethsaida, and he was a fisherman. The Lord chose him on the second day of His baptism after He chose Andrew his brother. He had fervent faith and strong zeal. When the Lord asked His disciples: “Who do men say that I am?” So they answered, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” ... Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Mat. 16:13-20) After he received the grace of the Holy Spirit, he went around in the world preaching of the crucified Christ, and he converted many to the faith. God wrought great and innumerable signs and wonders by his hands. He wrote two catholic Epistles to the believers. When he came to the city of Rome, he found there St. Paul the Apostle. Through their preaching, most of the people of Rome believed, so Nero seized Peter and commanded to crucify him. Peter asked them to crucify him head downwards, and he delivered up his soul into the hand of the Lord.
As of St. Paul the Apostle, he was born in Tarsus two
years before the advent of the Savior. He was a Jew, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. He was well learned in the Law of the Torah, and he was jealous for it. He persecuted the Christians. When they stoned St. Stephen, Paul was guarding the clothes of those who were stoning him. He took from Caiaphas, the high priest, letters to the synagogues of Damascus, to bind the Christians and bring them to Jerusalem. As he journeyed, he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” Then He ordered him to go to Ananias in Damascus, who baptized him, and he received his sight at once. He was filled by the grace of the Comforter, and he proclaimed boldly the Faith. He went around in the world preaching of the crucified Christ. He suffered much beatings, imprisonment, and was bound with fetters, some of which are mentioned in the book of the Acts of the Apostles and in his Epistles. He went to Rome and proclaimed the Faith there and many believed by his hands. He wrote for them the Epistle to the Romans which was the first of his fourteen Epistles.
Finally, Nero seized him, tortured him severely and ordered his head cut off. While St. Paul was passing along with the executioner, he met a damsel who was a kinswoman of the Emperor Nero, and who had believed through him. She walked along with St. Paul, weeping, to where they carried out the sentence. He comforted her and asked her for her veil. He wrapped his head with the veil, and asked her to return back. The executioner cut off his head and left it wrapped in the veil of the young girl, and that was in the year 67 A.D. The young girl met the executioner on his way back to the Emperor, and asked him about Paul and he replied, “He is lying where I left him and his head is wrapped in your veil.” She told him, “You are lying, for he and Peter had just passed by me, they were arrayed in the apparel of kings, and had crowns decorated with jewels on their heads, and they gave me my veil, and here it is.” She showed it to the executioner, and to those who were with him. They marvelled, and believed on the Lord Christ. God wrought by the hands of Peter and Paul many great signs and wonders, that they even carried the sick out into the streets ... that as Peter came by ... his shadow might fall on them ... and they were all healed. (Acts 5:15) The handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from Paul’s body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. (Acts 19:12) May their prayers be with us, and Glory be to God forever. Amen.
The twenty-ninth day of the blessed month of Baouna Luke 1:26-38
Peace be upon you, full of grace. Luke 1:28
Today is the fifth Sunday of the month of Baouna, which is also the twenty-ninth of the month of Hatour. Every Coptic month on the twenty-ninth day, the Church used to celebrate the Annunciation of the Angel to the Immaculate Virgin Mary of the birth of the Lord Jesus (this chapter is also read on the second Sunday of Kiahk). On the twentyninth of the month of Kiahk, we celebrate Christmas. that is, nine months after the date of the Annunciation, which is the twenty-ninth day of the month of Baramhat (usually during Lent) ... On this occasion, the church prays and sings its melodies with the joyful melodies because it is a tribute to the Lord’s Feast. In remembrance of the Annunciation, let us stand and meditate on this wondrous character chosen by the Lord to bear him as a Fetus and then as a child. Holy Virgin Mary. She deserved to become a mother of God. She is full of grace. And that she being the young girl whose age did not exceed fourteen, was able, in the face of a great news of this magnitude that has no parallel in the history of all humanity, to say with faith and confidence, let it be to me as you said. At a time when an experienced elder and a priest like Zechariah could not believe the mere fact that his wife would conceive a son in Her old age. The power of the Virgin Mary was in its simplicity and the strength of its faith. And this faith did not come from a vacuum but from a fullness of grace.
+ Peace to you Hey Full of grace
There are many who carry the image of piety from the outside. But from the inside there is a vacuum and in times of hardship they deny its power. To the people they may look as giant statures. But when they are exposed to the furnace of temptation, they shrink to the height of the dwarfs. This is a clear proof of lack of fullness. The inner spiritual emptiness. This is what the Lord Jesus expressed in the parable of the Sower about the rocky land that appears from the outside a good land in which the seeds are thrown and quickly grow, but the roots of the plant cannot go deep into the ground and once the sun rises, the plant dries up and dies because it has no depth.
Goliath was a huge, mighty. And he had five brothers, all of whom were powerful titans, in the eyes of the world, and David, the young boy, in the eyes of Goliath, was something despicable and trivial that he mocked. But the small smooth slingshot stones revealed what was hidden from the eyes of the people. They revealed the fullness of the void and the high spiritual stature in David and revealed the complete emptiness in Goliath.
King Saul seemed mighty and powerful. He was taller than all the people from his shoulder to the top, but soon came the experiment that revealed his true height. In front of the temptation of money, booty and gold. He preferred to break the commandment of God who commanded him to destroy all that belonged to the Amaleks and not have a remnant left, even his money and equipment. And he kept the spoils, and his excuse was that it was to offer his prophethood to
God. Samuel the Prophet answered the prophet to him listening is better than sacrificial. And that the pleasure of the Lord is not to offer sacrifices but to listen to His commandments. And the Lord regretted that he had made Saul king.
How many people of tall stature, but in the eyes of God they are no more than small dwarfs... And how many people are looked upon by the world with contempt and mockery, but their stature before God has reached to heaven. It is the stature of those who are full of grace. St. Anba Sarabamon, Bishop of Menoufiya, was a very simple person, simple clothes, and a modest appearance. But he carried within him an immense repertoire and spiritual power. His Holiness Pope Anba Boutros Al-Gauly summoned him and assigned him to go pray for Zahra Pasha, daughter of Muhammad Aly, for a pain that she was afflicted with an unclean spirit. “And indeed, the father the Bishop obeyed and went to the governor’s palace and brought him to the sick person, so he stood praying, and the unclean spirit in the woman became more agitated and revolted. Bishop Sarabamon prayed over some water and sprayed the sign of the cross on it, saying, “”Lord, glorify and respond to us.””” Glorify Your Church and he sprinkled water on the woman’s face, and immediately the unclean spirit came out, screaming with a loud voice, and left the woman lying on the ground quiet, and she returned to normal. The governor gave him a bag of money containing 4,000 pounds, so he refused it and took only a handful of it to spread it to the soldiers standing at the gate of the palace. And one day some people accused Abbas Pasha son of Muhammad Ali, who became the governor after that, that he used magic. So, the governor summoned him and asked him about it, and he told him that we are not witches, we are servants of the Lord Jesus. And the Pasha mocked him and asked him with what power did Zahra Pasha heal? Then Bishop Sarabamon stood up in strength and shouted at the Pasha “the power of our Lord Jesus Christ”. The whole palace shook as if a strong earthquake had occurred, and the governor was terrified until he almost fell on his face as if someone had slapped him the face and started asking for peace and mercy, (Aman Baba Aman).
The contemporary history of the Church also tells us the story of one of the fathers of the priests of Upper Egypt, Father Matthew Basile in Luxor, who departed about seventy years ago, that he was distinguished by a quiet spirit and God gave him the gifts of healing diseases through prayer. He was simple in appearance but in inner fullness of grace. One day, he was walking in one of Luxor’s streets, and a stagecoach driver deliberately harassed him to the extent that he deliberately took his carriage back where the priest father was standing, and he was shocked by a strong hit that dropped him on the ground. People gathered and set him up and caught the stagecoach driver who testified to those who saw him deliberately harming the priest father. But our father, in
complete meekness and love, asked them to leave him and told them, “Leave him to our Lord.” May God forgive you, my son. And the stagecoach driver drove his carriage as if nothing happened. A few days later, he was driving his cart in a street, and suddenly an electrical wire fell out, which cut off the moment he passed under it, and he fell on his cart on the horse, and the current shocked him immediately. And the man started crying his bad luck. And he went to our father and he said to him.. “”Why did you leave me to our Lord?””” Wouldn’t it have been better if you had complained to the police? And there in love, the father comforted him and gave him some money to help him.
And you, my beloved... Do you want to be strong?? Know, then, that real strength is not in the strength of the body and its muscles. but in the power and fullness of the spirit. Don’t be deceived by external physical force. Samson was very strong. There was no man in his power.
But under temptation and lust of the flesh, he became very weak and fell before an adulterous woman. Do you want to be rich?? True wealth is not in the wealth of money. Rather, there the richness of virtues. St. Paul the Apostle says about himself and the Apostle Fathers. “Poor but we enrich many”..
Do you want to be great?? The rewards of the world will only give you empty external greatness. John the Baptist was great before God. Although he has no worldly rank of any sort at all. But his voice terrified the kings in their palaces and shook the whole world in its sleep and emptiness.
Come and get filled with spirituality. Filled with grace. So, you will have real power, wealth, and greatness. + Behold, I am the nation of God. Let it be for me as you say.
In submission and strange faith, the Virgin Mary accepted this matter because she felt inside her unworthiness, but let it be God’s will. Have she ever thought about the terrible problems and troubles that she will endure because of this?? There is no doubt that her strong faith made her feel safe and comfortable in God’s promises. Many do not accept God’s promises easily. Rather, some remain tired and full of doubts, and thus lose the blessings of peace that accompany God’s promises.
There is a story about a woman who one day approached the Father the Patriarch and gave him a big donation of money. Simply the patriarch accepted her and said to her, “May God compensate you well.” And no more. It seems that the woman expected that he would give her more words or special prayers for blessing, or perhaps words of praise commensurate with the great value of the gift. so, she left the Pope’s while complaining. One of the fathers presents sensed this and hurried and told the Pope, who summoned her again and asked his servant to bring the money bundle offered by the woman and cut a small piece of paper on
which he wrote the sentence he said to her, “The Lord will compensate you well.”
He brought a scale and asked the woman to put the money in a pan and the small paper in a palm and choose for herself which one is heavier. To her surprise, she was surprised that the pan with the small paper was the one that went down, meaning that it was heavier than all the money and gold she gave. The woman fell to the Pope’s feet asking him to forgive her and accept her gifts.. and she realized that the blessing that the Lord gives her on the mouth of His Holiness the Pope was better and greater than all Its gold and silver.
How great are the blessings of faith and trust in God’s promises.
The word Kryalison in faith and confidence lifted the whole mountain from its place and lowered it in the miracle of moving Mount Mokattam.
Trusting in God’s promises that “the gates of hell will not prevail against hem” gave wondrous peace to the hearts of the Church Fathers throughout the generations, and in the most intense adversity and the darkest times they faced trouble in joy, knowing that the Lord would keep His promises.
Do you trust, beloved, in God’s promises?? Do you have the strong faith that says, let it be done to me as you say?? We much we need this submission to the will of God, which makes you in peace of mind, saying, behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. How many people have the ideas of rebellion, revolution, and rejection these days? Some even think that rebellion and revolution are the only means to obtain their demands, and therefore incidents of violence and crimes have increased. The problems have become more complicated and opportunities for sound solutions have been lost. Instead of solving your problems in the style of rejection, violence, loud voice, nervousness, anger, boycott and hatred, start today and try another approach. The style of gentleness and calmness. The method of joyful submission to God’s will. It’s not poor surrender, but surrender in strength, faith, and confidence. Not the desperate surrender without hope. but the powerful submission that looks forward with confidence and is sure that the Lord will not leave him and will not abandon him ever. The Holy Fathers by faith destroyed what is impossible, and Saint Paul the Apostle (Heb 11: 32-38) says of them who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.
+ Remember O Lord the departed
We pray for the repose of the soul of Mrs Fawzia Ghabrial, wife of late Mr Kamal Fahmy, mother of Mrs Ibtisam Fahmy, mother of Vivian Sharobeam; Mr Adel Fahmy, father Mr Emad Fahmy, Mr Mina Fahmy and Late Dr Kerstina Fahmy; Late Mrs Amal Fahmy, mother of Dr Enas Aziz, Mrs Nadia Aziz and Mr Antwan Aziz; Mrs Enas Fahmy, mother of Dr Maryann Meleka, Mrs Caroline Meleka and Mr Mark Meleka; and Mr Nagi Fahmy; father of Sofia Fahmy, Stephanie Fahmy, Mary Fahmy, Ilaria Fahmy, Stephan Fahmy and Jonathan Fahmy. Great-grandmother of Kerstina Fahmy, Anthony Tadros, Jeremiah Tadros, Mina Maged, Marina Maged, Jessica Aziz, Jacinda Aziz, Myia Sarai Hanna, Alexander Youssef, and Isabel Youssef. May the Lord repose her soul and grant peace and comfort for all family members
Funeral next Thursday 3rd July 12:30 at St Mary’s Church, Kensington
Fr John Macari
636 445 0433
Dear beloved families, friends, and members of our College community,
At St. Mary’s Coptic Orthodox College, everything we do is rooted in our purpose, to nurture and harness each child’s God-given potential, spiritually, academically, and personally.
With this sacred responsibility in mind, our long-term mission is to ofer accessible, high-quality Coptic Orthodox Christian education to every Victorian family, wherever they may live. Guided by God’s grace and your ongoing support, we are taking a significant step toward that vision.
It brings us great joy to announce that the College has recently acquired land in Fraser Rise, a growing and vibrant community in Melbourne’s west. God-willing, this will become home to a new College campus serving the many young families in the region who are seeking faith-based education grounded in our Coptic Orthodox Christian values.
The site, located at 2 Sirianni Boulevard, sits within the well-established Aldo Estate, surrounded by over 9,000 recently sold homes. It places us at the heart of a flourishing family community exactly where a College like ours is needed most.
Blessings of this location include:
• Zoning specifically for a non-government school under the Plumpton Precinct Structure Plan, meaning it is purpose-designated for education.
• Outstanding access, situated directly on the Melton Highway and just 7km from Watergardens Station, making it reachable for families across Melbourne’s western and north-western suburbs.
• Proximity to a future sporting reserve and aquatic centre, and close to the Plumpton Major Town Centre, ofering students access to a range of facilities for sport, recreation, and wellbeing.
• A region set for tremendous population growth, with the number of schoolaged children forecast to increase by 139% by 2046 a clear sign of the need and opportunity before us.
(Refer to the final page of this letter to view aerial photos and artistic renders of our future campus.)
We are planning for a Foundation to Year 12, state-of-the-art, contemporary College that will ofer a vibrant, nurturing, faith-filled learning environment on up to 6 hectares of land, supporting students from their early years through to senior schooling.
This historically significant acquisition has been unanimously supported by the College Board, the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne, and the broader College community.
In a recent community survey, there was overwhelming support and a clearly expressed need for a Coptic Orthodox Christian college in this region.
It is important to note that settlement on the Fraser Rise site is scheduled in two years’ time.
This will allow us to:
• Engage architectural firms for a comprehensive master planning process,
• Select a delivery partner for a staged development strategy, and
• Begin the approvals process and secure the necessary government documentation.
This planning window ensures that we move forward with care, clarity, and purpose, guided by prayer and professionalism every step of the way.
Meanwhile, we are also pleased to share that construction is now underway on the expansion of our junior campus in Coolaroo. This will provide our youngest learners with the space, resources, and care they need to thrive from their very first day.
As we look to the future with faith and excitement, we also look forward to introducing both the Fraser Rise and Coolaroo campus projects to the newly appointed General Bishop of the Diocese of Melbourne, His Grace Bishop Rewis, upon his arrival this week. We are blessed to begin this new chapter under His Grace’s leadership.
Together, these projects reflect our deep and enduring commitment to the future of Coptic Orthodox Christian education in Victoria. With prayer, planning, purpose, and trust in our Lord, we are building a legacy of faith and learning for generations to come.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love, your support, and your continued prayers. With warmest regards and abundant blessings,
Jimmy Morcos Chairperson of the Board
Fr Tadros Sharobeam Executive Director
Germaine Saad Principal
Call For Candidate Parish Board of Deacons
Sunday, 17 August 2025
The Diocese and Congregation wish to express their thanks and gratitude to the current Boards of Deacons who have served the church well. We pray that the Lord reward them with abundant blessings and accepts their labour as an acceptable gift.
As this Boards of Deacons has served their 3-yesr term it is time to call for candidates for the new Board of Deacons.
Pursuant to the Constitution of Parishes in the Diocese of Melbourne, Members of the Congregation are invited to nominate for the Parish Board of Deacons. Candidates are required to:
• Be in Good Standing with the Coptic Orthodox Church, it’s Community and hierarchy
• Be willing to serve God and His Church faithful and uphold the dogma, traditions, constitution and by-laws of the church.
• Be an ordained to the rank of epsaltos or Chanter and over the age of 18.
• Complete the nomination form and have it endorsed by 6 members of the congregation over the age of 18.
• At least Two (can be more) of the positions are reserved for members of the Congregation under the Age of 35 years.
• Six position will be by election and one co-opted position to make a Board of seven members plus the parish priests.
All parishes (excluding St Bishoy & St Shenouda, St Mark’s – Melbourne) are to be renewed. Current members of the PBOD may re-nominated for a second term but may not nominate for a Third
Important Date:
Sunday, 29 June 2025
Sunday, 20 July 2025
Thursday, 24 July 2025
Thursday, 31 July 2025
+ Feast of the Holy Apostles:
Call for Candidates Announcement
Call for Candidates Closes 5PM
List of Candidates Posted - Call for objections
Objections Close
Next Saturday 12th July is the Feast of the Holy Apostles. It is also the commemoration of the Martyrdom of St. Peter & St. Paul. Lakan and Divime Liturgy to be conducted at St. Mary’s Church as follows:
7:00am Early Morning Raising of Insence
7:30 Apostle’s Feast prayers of Lakan (washing feet)
9am - 11am the Devine Liturgy. May the Lord grant us the blessings of the Feast of the Holy Apostles.
THE FEAST OF THE APOSTLES H.H. POPE SHENOUDA III
The Church celebrates the commemoration of the martyrdom of St. Peter and St. Paul on the 5th of Abib, which is the 12th of July. This feast is known in our Church by the name of “The Feast of the Apostles”. Its date is unchanged every year. The Church venerates these two apostles very profoundly; and raises them and honours them exceedingly; especially in the prayer of “the partition” or “the division” which pertains to the fast of the apostles and to the feast of the apostles, which we pray during the holy mass.These two saints represent two distinguished kinds with regards to personality, mission, and style. Each one of them has distinct characteristics.
THE POINTS OF DIFFERENCE
Saint Peter was among the first whom the Lord had chosen to work with Him (Matt. 10).
Saint Paul was not among the twelve, and not even among the seventy apostles, but the Lord chose him lastly, after the resurrection and years after the choice of Matthias…… He did not follow Christ during His predication on earth. He rather said about that: “Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God” (1 Cor. 15: 8 -9).
And although he was the last in his call, yet he “labored more abundantly than they all” (1 Cor. 15:10). That shows that it is not a matter of precedence, but according to the amount of weariness from exertion for God.
A person may not be the most ancient among the workers in ministry, and nevertheless he may be the strongest of all the workers. John the Baptist was not the first prophet in the Old Testament, but he was the last of them in their chronological order. Nevertheless it was said that “among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist” (Matt. 11:11). The apostle Peter was a married man. It was mentioned in the Gospel that Christ healed his step-mother from fever (Matt. 8: 14-15). In his journeys for the predication, he wandered accompanied by his wife as a sister (1 Cor. 9:5).
But the apostle Paul was a virgin. (1 Cor. 7:7). He called for the preference of virginity. “But each one has his own gift from God”, “as the Lord has called each one…… Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called” (1 Cor. 7: 7,17,20).
That proves that the Lord calls everybody to His service, whether they are married like Peter, or virgins like Paul. Peter began his life with the Lord Christ with love, confidence, and faith. But on the contrary: Paul began by enmity, as a persecutor of the Church and of everyone who followed Christ, so that the Lord, when He met him on the road to Damascus, began his conversation with him by reprimanding him saying: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:4).
Saint Peter was a simple man, a fisherman (Matt. 4:18). He was ignorant and was not instructed into culture or science. He is one of whom “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise” (1 Cor. 27). It was said of him, of him and saint John, “that they were uneducated and untrained men” (Acts 4:13).
But Saint Paul was one of the learned of his age, who was educated at the University of Tarsus, and brought up at the feet of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). He was well-known for his culture and for reading many books. (Acts 26:24).
That shows us that the Lord equally employs everybody for His kingdom, the learned and the simple. The important thing for them is to be useful utensils for the work of His grace……
Position Title: St. Mary’s Building Manager
Location: St. Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church Kensington Position Overview:
The Church Facilities manager is responsible for overseeing St.
Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church facilities which encompasses three distinct buildings; St. Mary’s Church, St Johns new Church building, and the youth house. The caretaker coordinates with cleaning and maintenance contractors, supports event setup, maintains the grounds, ensures security, and serves as a point of contact for visitors, parishioners, and guests requiring access to the church.
Report To: Board of Deacons and Church Fathers
Direct Supervisor: BOD- Building Maintenance Officer
http://smcoc.2.vu/BuildingManager
