Please refer to the attached Convention Flyer for greater detail on the sessions
scheduled and to fill out your registration form. >> Download it here

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Annual Summer Youth Conventions 2007

To be held at Lord Somers Camp site and will
be attended by His Grace Bishop Suriel and
His Grace Bishop Angelos

Headed by His Grace Bishop Suriel
>> Please download your application forms here

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Monasticism Symposium
29th – 30th September 2007

Sponsored by
Coptic Orthodox Church
Diocese of Melbourne & Affiliated Regions

and

St. Athanasius Coptic Orthodox Theological College
Melbourne, Australia

Monasticism

Fourth Century Christians moved in droves to the deserts of Egypt and, in the famous words of Saint Athanasius, made the desert a city. In so doing, they captured the imagination of the ancient world. They initiated techniques of prayer and asceticism, of discipleship and spiritual direction, that have remained central to Christianity ever since. Seeking to map the soul’s long journey to God and plot out the subtle impulses of the human heart, they created and inspired texts that became classics of Christian spirituality.

This Symposium will be conducted by Saint Athanasius Coptic Orthodox Theological College, Melbourne. Respected international and Australian academics will present aspects of the life and theology of this great movement. The Symposium will begin with the official opening of the Coptic Exhibition on Saturday 29th September 2007 at 2pm. This will showcase modern Coptic iconography, Coptic manuscripts and a photo exhibition of Coptic Monasticism in Egypt. It will concluded with the Official Symposium Dinner on Sunday 30th September 2007.

Please refer to the attached Symposium Program for greater detail on the sessions scheduled and for more information on registering for the Symposium on Monasticism. >> Download it here

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CONGRATULATIONS

Thanks be to God for He has done great things for us, and we are glad. Thanks to the loyal congregation of the Diocese of Melbourne. We have attained our goal, and the Diocese Headquarters has become ours to serve us at present and our next generations in future.

The Lord has blessed the work through the prayers of His saints, and the prayers of our honoured father His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, His Grace our honoured father Bishop Suriel, the fathers the clergy, and your prayers. May the Lord bless you and bless all your gifts; and may He bless this place, which has become a living symbol of the unity of our people in their love, work, giving, and faith.

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THANK YOU

Day of Thanksgiving
28th of July 2007

I will praise the name of God with a song
and will magnify Him with thanksgiving.
- Psalm 69:30

The Melbourne Diocese of the Coptic Orthodox Church is pleased to invite
you and your family to a Day of Thanksgiving on Saturday 28 July 2007.
In January 2002, the Coptic Orthodox community in Melbourne purchased a
property in Donvale at a cost of $7 million.
Our property in Donvale serves as the Diocese headquarters of our Church,
caters for the needs of many families and houses our theological college.
Through the hard work and dedication of our congregation, the Church will
finalise payment of the Donvale property on the 25th of July 2007.
Our Day of Thanksgiving will be marked by your attendance, activities for
families, cultural performances and a photo exhibition.
We hope that you and your family will join us for this special event.

- His Grace Bishop Suriel

Download flyers:
Flyer in Arabic
Flyer in English

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Donations for the Diocese Headquarters at Donvale have now reached $1,100,000!

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Clergy Declaration February 2007


New Elections of Boards of Deacons for Melbourne

Coptic Orthodox Church (Victoria) Property Trust Act 2006

The Coptic Orthodox Church Diocese of Melbourne Constitution signed by His Holiness

Rules relating to Parish Boards of Deacons

Winter Youth Conventions 2007

Year 10-12 Winter Youth Convention
(Click on photo to see larger version)

University Winter Youth Convention
(Click on photo to see larger version)

Diocese Family Day

(Click on photo to see larger version)

Under the patronage of His Grace Bishop Suriel, the clergy and many of our Coptic families in Victoria attended our monthly Diocese Family Day on Sunday 17th of June 2007, at the Diocese Headquarters, Donvale.

The day started with a short prayer and welcome by His Grace Bishop Suriel.
Following this, the congregation was separated into two groups for Bible studies with Fr. Mina Mikhael and Fr. Antonious Guirguis. A bible competition with 200 participants was thoroughly enjoyed, with prizes being awarded to the winners. Special activities were organised for the children, such as face painting. Then a special surprise prepared for His Grace Bishop Suriel t o celebrate His Grace’s tenth year Ordination Anniversary as a Bishop. The day closed with a lecture by His Grace on Acts 4, and how we as Copts, could relate the Acts of the Apostles to our family lives.

It was a remarkably joyful day where families enjoyed both spiritual time and socialising with each other in an atmosphere of love, fellowship and unity, surrounded by the blessing and care of His Grace Bishop Suriel.

The Diocese Family Day will be a monthly event at our Diocese Headquarters, Donvale. The Diocese warmly welcomes every family and member of our Coptic community to attend and enjoy the spiritual, social and recreational activities.

General Weekly Youth Meeting
Date: Every Sunday
Time: 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Age Group: University & Graduates
Location: Diocese Headquarters, Cnr. Park Rd & Heads Rd, Donvale.
Melway Ref: 48 K4
The weekly general youth meeting headed by His Grace Bishop Suriel is a great way in receiving spiritual nourishment for all our youth. These meetings consistently provide us with excellent, intriguing and most of all beneficial topics that keep the mind ticking. Also, it gives us the opportunity to ask His Grace questions that we require answers to. Not to mention, this gathering is a delightful chance to socialise with friends from all corners of our churches in Victoria.

St. Paul's Youth
St. Paul's Youth is a long-term concept aimed at improving the development of our youth on a social, educational, emotional and spiritual level. The first of many projects for St. Paul's Youth is to serve during the Papal Visit of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III. Required are those interested in: security, crowd control, ushering, first aid, general hospitality, information technology, audio/visual, welcoming group and information source. For further information see your Church COYA rep or email: saintpaulsyouth@melbcopts.org.au.