7:30pm The Way Orthodox Fellowship in Englisg for adults - All ages
Wednesday: Mass 9 – 11 am
6:30-8pm School of Deacons Adults
Thursday
Mass 9 - 11 am - English
English Midnight Praises 7:30pm
English Bible Study 7:30pm
Friday: Mass Mass 9 – 11 am
Youth 25 and above 7-9pm
Discipleship Clas Class 7-8:30pm
Saturday: Mass: 8:30 – 11am
Sunday School 4 – 5.30pm
Vespers & youth meeting 7-8:30pm English
Vespers &Bible Study Arabic 5:30-7pm
Scouts 1:30 - 3pm
School of Deaconsgip 3 - 4pm
Sunday:
1st Mass 6:30 - 8:30 Arabic & English
2nd Mass.8:30 - 10:30 English - St Mary’s
Church
3rd Mass 8:30 - 10:30 Arabic - St John’s
Chrysostom Church
Family Meeting fortnightly 11:30am
Hymns Class - English 11:45 - 12:30pm
Church Priests:
Fr Tadros Sharobeam 0414251251
Email: frtadros@me.com
Fr Habib Girgis Younan: 0401238177 – 94498871
Email: habibgirgisyounan@hotmail.com
Fr Michael Salib: 0422431821
Email: frmichael@sac.edu.au
Church Address: 5 Epsom Rd., Kensington Vic 3031 Tel: 93766651
Fr Kerillos Tawadros 0411 518 399
Fr John Makary 0433 445 636
The Martyrdom of Saints Behnam and Sarah, His Sister. 23rd December - 14th Keiahk
On this day, Saints Behnam and Sarah, his sister, the children of Sennacherib, King of Persia, were martyred. One day Behnam was out with 40 of his slaves hunting in the wilderness. He saw a huge wild beast, so he went after it for a long distance, and he was separated from his slaves. Night fell upon him and he had to sleep in that place. During his sleep he saw someone who told him to go to St. Matthew who dwelt in that mountain and he would pray for his sister so that the Lord would heal her. His sister was afflicted with an incurable disease, she was leprous.
When St. Behnam woke up and was joined by his slaves, they searched for St. Matthew until they found him in a cave. He knelt between his hands, told him about the vision and they asked him to accompany them to the city. Behnam went before him to the city and told his mother about the vision and the presence of St. Matthew out of the city. Because of her love and trust in Behnam she allowed his sister to go with him in secret. When they arrived to where the saint was, he prayed for her and the Lord healed her. St. Matthew preached and taught them the way of life. He prayed also and a spring of water rushed forth and he baptized them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, the one God, then he returned to his cave. When King Sennacherib knew that his daughter was cured, he called her and asked her how she was cured. She told him, “The Lord Jesus Christ granted me the healing at the hands of St. Matthew and not through the stars that you worship.” The king became angry and threatened to punish them if they did not change their noble opinion. During the night, St. Behnam and his sister decided to go together to St. Matthew before their deaths. While on their way secretly to the saint, surrounded by some of their friends, their father became aware of what they were about to do, and he sent his men after them. They found them on their way to the saint and they slew them. St. Behnam, his sister and their companions received the crown of life in the Kingdom of Heaven. When the men that killed St. Behnam and his sister went back, they found the king possessed by an evil spirit, which tormented him painfully. The queen sent for St. Matthew, begging him to come. When he arrived, he prayed for the king and the Lord healed him immediately. The saint preached to them, and the king and his wife, along with all those in the city, believed. The king built a monastery for St. Matthew and placed the bodies of St. Behnam, and his sister, his children, in it. St. Matthew dwelt in it for a long while. The Lord worked many signs of healing and wonders through the bodies of Sts. Behnam and Sarah, his sister. Their prayers be with us. Amen.
The Martyrdom of Saint Ammonius, Bishop of Esna (Latopolis(. (.
23rd December - 14th Keiahk
On this day also the great father Abba Ammonius, Bishop of the city of Esna (Latopolis(, was martyred. He was extremely well mannered since a young age and his virtues were well known. Anba Peter, Pope of Alexandria, ordained him a bishop over the city of Esna. Because of his strong desire for a solitary life, he built a monastery at the foot of the mountain beside a spring of water. He prepared a cave for his stay all week and went down to church on Saturday. He served the Holy liturgy on Sunday, met with his people, preached to them and settled their disputes. He spent Monday with them also, then returned to his cave to continue his worship and asceticism. During his days, many of his people were martyred. When Arianus the Infidel went to upper Egypt, on his way he persecuted Christians. He ordered them to worship idols and those who refused were tortured and slain. He continued doing that until he reached Esna, where he met four young men driving asses loaded with melons. One of the governor’s soldiers asked them about their belief. They answered, “We are Christians,” so they seized them. When their mother knew what happened, she went in haste to encourage them saying to the soldiers, “We love Jesus Christ and do not worship your despicable idols.” The governor ordered that she be cast into prison. In the middle of the night the Virgin, St. Mary, appeared to this mother and told her, “Know that my Son the Savior and the Lord has called you and your blessed sons Sarous, Herman, Banouf and Bistay to the kingdom of heaven.” St. Mary bid her peace then ascended to heaven. The next morning the governor summoned them and asked them to worship the idols but they refused courageously. As a result, he ordered that their heads be cut off. That took place on the 6th day of the Coptic month of Bashans. The believers took their bodies and hid them in their homes. Many wonders and signs were manifested through their bodies. There were also four notable persons who worked as tax collectors in the city of Esna. While they were going over the account of their work with Arianus, one of them mentioned the Name of Christ. Arianus became enraged and ordered that they be tortured. When he saw their endurance, he ordered that their heads be cut off, so they received their martyrdom on the 6th day of the month of Baounah. Many were martyred along with them, women, men and monks. When Arianus went to Armunt, two women called Thecla and Martha who were from Esna went there in hast and confessed Christ before him. Arianus addressed the people of Armunt around him and said, “Why did you say that there were no Christians in your city?” They investigated and found out that the two women were from Esna. They went to Arianus and told him that they were strangers and that they did not belong to their city which loved the emperors and the gods (idols(. Arianus ordered their heads to be cut off, and that was on the 17th day of the month of
Abib. As for St. Ammonius, the angel of the Lord appeared to him when he was in the desert and told him, “Hail to you Ammonius, the Lord accepted your prayers on behalf of your people and prepared crowns for you. Arise, go down and preach to them and instruct them to be steadfast in confessing the Lord Christ.” The angel bid him peace and departed. The saint arose and went down immediately to the city. He gathered the people, preached to them and informed them of what the angel had told him. They all cried out saying, “Our father, we are ready to withstand any suffering in the Name of the Lord Christ, even unto death.” That took place on the feast of St. Isaac, so he took his people up to the Mount of Katoun, which means the mount of good things, to celebrate the feast there.
Arianus departed from Armunt to a village called Helwan, west of Esna. All its citizens came out and confessed the Name of Christ before him. He ordered them beheaded and they received the crown of martyrdom. Then Arianus entered Esna and wandered in its streets which were empty until he came to the southern gate which is called the gate of thanksgiving, because Anba Armanius had prayed there with his people, the prayers of Thanksgiving. There he found an infirm old woman who was left behind because she could not go up the mountain with them. He asked her about the whereabouts of the people of the city. She replied, “The people heard that the infidel governor was coming to slay the Christians; so they went up to the mountain to celebrate the feast of St. Isaac before they faced martyrdom.” He asked her which one of the gods she worshipped. She replied, “I am a Christian,” and she was immediately beheaded. Arianus then went out of the city going towards Mount Katoun, passing on the way through the village of ElMabgalah where he found a group of people who declared themselves Christians and those he promptly beheaded. He continued through the villages of Harmajahat and Seroya where he executed the Christians. He executed every Christian he met in his way till he finally reached Mount Katoun where all the people greeted him with one accord shouting, “We are Christians.” Arianus threatened them and as this had no effect, he ordered his soldiers to draw their swords and to slay them all. Each one brought forth his daughter or his son to the swordsman saying, “Go forward to the true bridegroom that does not die.” They all went to death saying, “We are going to the everlasting joy in the kingdom of heaven.” They fulfilled their martyrdom on the 19th day of the Coptic month of Abib. On their way back to Esna, the soldiers met three men who were crying, “We are Christians.” The soldiers told them, “Our swords are dull from much use.” So the men told the soldiers, “Here are our axes.” The soldiers took their axes and the men put their heads on a stone beside the western gate of the city. The soldiers beheaded them and the men received the crown of martyrdom. As for the bishop, Anba Ammonius, they seized him and brought him before Arianus, and in rage he ordered the saint to be tied behind the horses
on their way to the boat which was sailing to Aswan. Then they threw him in the stern of the ship. Arianus brought him out every now and then and asked him to raise the incense before the idols but the saint refused. Finally he ordered his men to burn the saint who received the crown of martyrdom on the 14th day of the Coptic month of Kiahk.
The believers took his body which was untouched and unharmed by the fire. They shrouded it and hid it until the end of the era of persecution. When the people of his diocese came to transfer the body to their city, they heard a voice from the body saying, “This is the place that God chose for me.”
The prayers of all these saints be with us and Glory be to our God forever. Amen.
The Commemoration of the Departure of St. Luke the Stylite and the Relocation of His Holy Relics.
26th December - 17th Keiahk
On this day we commemorate the departure of St. Luke, the Stylite, and the relocation of his holy relics. He was born in Persia, to Christian parents. He became a soldier and was promoted until he became a centurion (an officer over a hundred soldiers(.
Later in his life, he wanted to live a solitary life. He left the world and all its vainglory and became a monk in one of the monasteries of the east. When his virtues were known, he was ordained a priest for that monastery. From this time on, he devoted himself to the ascetic life in continual prayers and fasting. He used to fast six days at a time and then break his fast on the seventh day after Mass, by eating a “Korbana” and some green pulses (beans(. Then he lived on the top of a high rock for 3 years. One day, he heard the voice of an angel calling him by his name to go down. When he went down, the angel showed him a cross of light. He followed the voice and the cross went before him until he came to some mountains. There he stayed for some time, teaching his visitors the way of salvation. He was inspired by God to go near Constantinople. He went and dwelt in a village nearby, on the top of a rock, in the shape of a pillar, for 45 years fighting the spiritual fight. God granted him the gift of prophecy and the gift of performing miracles. He healed everyone who went to him. When he completed his holy course, he departed on the 15th day of Kiahk. His disciple went and told the Patriarch about his departure. The Patriarch went with the priests, crosses and censors and came to where the body of the saint was. They carried him to Constantinople on the third day of his departure, with hymns and prayers, and they placed him in the sanctuary and that was on the 17th day of Kiahk. After they prayed on him the third day prayer and the believers present received the blessing of his pure body, they put him in a marble sarcophagus next to the bodies of the saints. God revealed many signs and miracles from his body. His prayers be with us all and Glory be to our God forever. Amen.
The fourth century AD was one of the most turbulent centuries, beginning with great persecution and ending with reconciliation between the East and the West. It also witnessed the emergence of major theological debates, represented by the convening of the ecumenical councils in Nicaea (325 AD) and Constantinople (381 AD), along with the appearance of champions of the faith and brilliant defenders using philosophy, theology, and, above all, the Holy Scriptures in both Testaments.
Diocletian the Emperor (284–305 AD) began by reforming his administration and army, dividing the state into two parts: East and West. He appointed an emperor and a caesar for each side to assist in governance and to succeed upon death or retirement, retaining the East for himself. He was stubbornly devoted to paganism and issued a decree declaring Christians to be the cause of rebellion and unrest in the East. His decree included radical measures against Christianity, such as destroying churches, burning sacred books, and prohibiting religious gatherings. This persecution was the longest in Roman history, lasting ten years. It was moderate in the West but relentless in the East, especially in Egypt and Palestine, where the number of martyrs reached hundreds and thousands. This led the Copts to adopt the year 284 AD, the beginning of his reign, as the start of the Coptic calendar, called “Anno Martyrum” (i.e. the Year of the Martyrs) which we commemorate this year as 1741 AM.
In the year 305 AD, Diocletian abdicated as emperor due to illness. In 306 AD, Constantine became Caesar, and after a series of wars, he emerged as the supreme emperor of both the East and the West. He issued laws favorable to Christianity, granting all citizens religious freedom and ordering the restoration of churches. This is known as the Edict of Milan for religious tolerance, issued in 313 AD, which made Christianity a legal religion in the empire and is recognized as a decree for freedom of conscience and worship.
In the year 324 AD, Constantine became the sole emperor supporting Christianity. During his reign, the Church enjoyed peace and tranquility, and it felt the triumph of faith over paganism. He granted citizenship rights to Christians and considered himself their supreme defender and protector of the state.
Constantine the Great
Constantine was of a tolerant pagan origin, born in 280 AD in Serbia. He learned about Christianity but did not get baptized, postponing it until shortly before his death, claiming he wanted to be baptized in the Jordan River. He was baptized by Eusebius, Bishop of Nicomedia, just days before his death. He lived his life inclined toward Christianity and did not persecute its followers, possibly due to the influence of his devout mother, Helen, and his sister, Constantia, who were both Christians. He learned open-mindedness from his parents and came to power in 306 AD after the death of his father, Constantius Chlorus. He was ambitious, courageous, and capable, fathering three sons whom he raised in Christianity and who succeeded him after his death.
He was of high moral character and extremely generous to the suffering Christians. He restored confiscated properties to Christians, distributed funds to churches and clergy, reinstated endowments to the Church, and allowed the construction of churches and cathedrals. He allocated a portion of the state budget to provide financial support to churches and appointed Christians to significant and important positions in government for the first time, recognizing their honesty and dedication. He also made Byzantium the capital of the empire, renaming it Constantinople, after himself. It was officially inaugurated on May 11, 330 AD. Today, it is Istanbul, Turkey, and remains one of Orthodoxy’s capitals in the world and the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarch.
When the Arian crisis arose, threatening the peace of the Christian world, he intervened to preserve the Church’s peace. He may have been the one to propose convening the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea in 325 AD, which was held successfully and condemned the Arian heretics. After the council, Constantine gained great honor and respect, which led him to consider himself the leader and protector of Christians and the defender of united Christianity. He believed that God granted him successive victories because of his support for and organization of Church affairs.
Despite the emergence of theological currents that split from the Church, Arianism, which originated in Alexandria and spread throughout the entire Eastern Church, caused great suspicion and turmoil during Constantine’s reign. Arius was one of the disciples of the Antiochene School of Theology and a student of the famous teacher Lucian of Antioch. He was Alexandrian by birth but raised in Antioch. In the face of this destructive schism among the Church’s members, and after all
attempts to bring Arius back to reason failed, the emperor decided to compile an agenda of all conflicting issues and present them at a large council involving bishops from the East and West. The idea may have originated from Pope Alexander I, the 19 Patriarch of Alexandria, aiming to preserve the empire’s unity from divisions and schisms. Indeed, with Emperor Constantine himself present, 318 bishops gathered in the coastal city of Nicaea in 325 AD, where they proclaimed the true and sound doctrine in the Creed of Faith, affirming the essential equality of the Son with the Father. The Nicene Creed resonated universally in time and space, and all churches recite it to this day as a prayer, standing as we say it, across all Christian churches in the world, East and West.
The Council was a work of divine providence through this great emperor and marked the beginning of the tradition of convening ecumenical councils. Eusebius of Caesarea described the Council’s atmosphere as dazzling to the eyes and well-prepared. After the Council’s conclusion, the emperor celebrated the 20 anniversary of his reign across all the empire’s provinces with grand public celebrations, culminating in a lavish banquet prepared by the emperor for the servants of God. No bishop was absent, and they all sat in a large circular arrangement, and at the end, he presented them with gifts befitting their rank.
Ten years later, in 335 AD, the emperor celebrated the 30 anniversary of his reign in the presence of many bishops for the dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which he had ordered to be built, and the raising of the Holy Cross on September 14. They proclaimed, “The Cross preserves the universe. The Cross is the beauty of the Church. The Cross is the majesty of kings. The Cross is the steadfastness of believers. The Cross astonishes angels and wounds demons …”
Just days before his death, Constantine cast aside his purple garments, marked his rank, put on white garments, and received the sacrament of baptism. His soul departed on May 22, 337 AD. His body was preserved and placed in a golden sarcophagus, transported to the palace in Constantinople, and prayed over throughout the night in the Church of the Apostles. He was buried there, and with his death, the Church lost its greatest defender of Orthodoxy and the Nicene Creed
Meditation on Liturgy Gospel
The second Sunday of the blessed month of Keiahk Luke 1:26-38
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you” (Luke 1:35(. (
God has made the impossible (according to human standards( for our salvation. It is impossible to see God and live, it is impossible for man to touch God and be near to Him. Our God is consuming fire. However, the incarnation of God for human’s salvation broke the impossible barrier. It is the ultimate God’s love to humankind that made Him put on human body like us and be born of a virgin and live among us. We touch Him, talk to Him, and see Him. Furthermore, He gave Himself as a ransom for our sake. Others look to God as a very far Being from humans and too holy to come near humans, though God in full Divinity is true infallible, terrified and awesome God. If He touched a mountain it will tremble, the mountain burned with fire to the midst of heaven, with darkness, cloud, and thick darkness when He descended to speak with Moses, who was scared and terrified. However, there is another attribute to God that halt impossible barrier which is love. God is love. He created us on his own image and likeness out of His love. Though God is Spirit and does not have image or carnal likeness, the Second Person was incarnate. He who dwells in the bosom of His Father before eternity was incarnate. . In annunciation the Lord proclaims His incarnation and gives TWO signs that break the impossible barrier; 1- the Lord is born from a virgin, thus giving humanity the ability to be cleansed from the former nature through His blood. We then are able to advance and touch Him being partakers of the divine nature (2 Pet. 1: 4(. 2- The barren will conceive and give birth, thus breaking the human barrier over its weakness and limited abilities. The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you
This was an amazing gift from God to humans. Satan used to humiliate our body and control the flesh. However, he stood wondering how the weak carnal body that he used to control is becoming holy for the Lord to dwell in. In the past people had to fulfil many difficult statutes for cleansing; what to eat and touch, what is clean or unclean, it was burdensome. People were living far from the source of purity. After salvation the person becomes clean through the blood of Christ. His nature evolved and his intellect became
connected to God. His welfares became spiritual and not carnal. Bodily affairs are no more in their worries.
St. Paul first hermit lived in wilderness for seventy years on half a loaf daily sent by a raven. All these years he was covered with hard sackcloth and did not see the face of any person. By human measurements that is impossible, but with God, this weak body elevated to angels level. Moreover, God who honours His saints made kings compete on his sackcloth after his departure considering this dress more precious than all earth’s riches.
Anba Bishoy the Lord loved him so much calling him my beloved Bishoy. He was granted the gift to host the Lord and washed His legs and to carry Him on his shoulders. The Lord promised that his body will not see corruption. Today this body is a witness for the honour and respect that God gives to His saints; the level of impossibility in human’s perspective.
Saint Stephen is an archdeacon and first martyr. He stood bravely reprimanding Jewish hierarchy on their evil deeds saying they are the children for those who killed the prophets. St. Stephen gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55(. And said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. When they cast him out of the city and stoned him, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” This soul ascended over human’s nature becoming like an angel. Thus we see how Christianity enhanced human nature to what we call impossible. The Christian becomes that person that lives in purity among impure generation; a world that considers purity and virginity so odd. In this era the Christian person needs exceptional grace to keep their pure body in the midst of porn and ethical deterioration that are sweeping the world. Without God’s grace we won’t be able to stand at all. Undoubting, the Christian is the only human that can live this life of purity and chastity within this world. And this is a proof of our Christianity and its strength against all today’s challenges. In the midst of all wars, pandemics, and adversaries the Christian will stand strong full of peace and inner harmony.
The struggles that people face from fights, contests, and challenges lead them to despair, depression, madness and suicide. It is proven that highest rate of suicide is found in civilized rich
countries, especially societies that left the Christian morals and values. Japan has the highest rate of suicide among young age category. USA suffers the highest rate of pregnancy and abortion between children that did not reach sixteen years old!! Even worse, the percentage of pregnant girls in a high school reached 30%!! All these numbers shows the lowliness that a human can reach when they lose their Christian ethics and embrace world’s values. Beloved, compare what the Lord Jesus gives you (dignity, honour, respect( above your normal human nature, and the world that gives despair, lewdness, and destruction. Compare between the true peace and joy that you take when attached to the Lord and between the suffering, depression, and death when you attach yourself to the world. Compare and choose.
Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age
This is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. According to the world it is impossible for Elizabeth to have a child; she is old and her husband is well advance in years. So many impossibilities in world’s dictionary, but for God nothing will be impossible.
Children of Israel crossing the Red Sea and their journey in the wilderness till entrance of Canaan are all examples of impossibilities in the sight of human. Their exodus from Egypt, the Ten Plaques, death of firstborn, crossing the Red Sea in dry land, perishing of Pharaoh and his chariots are all impossibilities that happened. Forty years the Lord was feeding them with the Manna which came from heaven. Forty years the cloud of the LORD was above the tabernacle by day, and fire was over it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys. Their garments did not wear out on them, nor did their feet swell these forty years. He gave them water from the Rock who was with them all the way.
Spread of Christianity in the world and its existence till today is the impossibility. The apostles were neither worriers nor military men. Bishops and priests were not opposing authorities; rather they were like lambs among wolves. They didn’t carry weapon but they conquered the world and prevailed. This only happened with the power of the Holy Spirit. They were persecuted from the strongest and most powerful people at that time; the Roman Empire which was the symbol of idolatry. Thousands fell as martyrs in every place. Many cities were annihilated; Satan raised all his weapons against Christianity. Many times
people thought that Christianity will disappear. However, those that oppose Christianity disappeared and Christianity prevailed and no weapon formed against them did prosper. Some people tried to defend Christianity by using force; they were dressing garments having crosses (they were called crusaders(. They thought that by weapon they can defend Christianity. Their armies went killing in the name of the cross and forgot totally that Christianity does not conquer humans nor fights for earthly possessions. Rather, its aim is heaven and their real war is with Satan. So those crusaders failed. Strangely enough Christianity prevailed in countries they thought to defend them and it weakened in their own countries among the new atheism and idolatry. Others sought to preach Christianity with the power of money and lure. They sent their preaching campaigns to all places; unfortunately they were carrying their heresies and dissents with their money. Instead of preaching Christ, they planted malice, strife, and divisions in many countries. Moreover, they caused many countries to leave Christianity. Christianity never needed money, power, or worldly enticements.
Till now St. Peter and St. John are standing in front of the Beautiful Gate saying to the lame person: ‘Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.’ They had much more powerful thing; they say stand and he stood.
Beloved, you will never defeat the world by power and violence. You will not achieve many things with your money and richness. However, you will prevail over all worldly desires through your holy life in God. Aggressiveness and violence create aggressiveness and violence. Money is limited, for money never buys love, or happiness. These are all impossibilities for money, but for a Christian that is possible… My beloved what do you want? What are your goals? What are your aims? Let Christ be your only goal and let your aim His kingdom then you will achieve what all the world could not. You will shatter all impossible barriers and start hovering in the freedom and glory of God’s children.
Family Picnic Thursday 26th December
God willing we will have a family trip on THU 26-Dec2024 to Torquay Beach. Please book your place ASAP. All bookings online.
https://forms.gle/AyL3AYfFCY4ejNCHA
Bus Drivers Required for 2025
St Mary’s Coptic College requires bus drivers (24 seaters) to start working for next school year (Feb - Dec). The school can help to obtain the endorsed driving licence. Please ring Mr Fadel Gerges for details.
+ The Advent Fasting:
Sunday 25th November the Advent Fasting started. It continues for 43 days and ends by the Feast of Holy Nativity at 7th January. It is allowed to eat fish during this fasting except on Wednesdays and Fridays and usually we abstain from food until 3pm. For those who got health reasons they can consult their father of confession. The Advent Fasting is a preparation for the Feast of Incarnation of our Lord. We fast 40 days taking an example of the Lord’s Fasting and from Moses Fasting for 40 days before receiving the Law and Commandments. We fast also extra three days in commemoration of the days fasted by people during the time of St Abraam the 62th Pope of Alexandria for the miracle of moving the mountain. The blessed month of Keiahk falls during the Advent days in which we sing and read all about the Incarnation of the Lord. Let us all pursue fasting in humility and repentance and offer our hearts to be holy sanctuary for our Lord the Child of the Manager the Incarnated Lord.
Key Highlights:
The highest ATAR achieved was 98.05, an outstanding result.
12.2% of students received an ATAR of 90 or above, placing them among the top achievers in the state.
26.5% of students achieved an ATAR of 80 or above, reflecting consistently strong academic performance.
34.7% of students achieved an ATAR of 70 or above.
Among our top-performing students, the average ATAR was an impressive 95.45. 12.8% of all study scores were 40 or above, demonstrating high-level achievement across multiple subjects.
Subject Performance:
Mathematics: Exceptional outcomes, with 25% of scores in VCE Mathematics at 40 or above.
Foundation Mathematics: Particularly strong results, with 64% of scores at 40 or above.
Foundation Mathematics: 2 perfect scores of 50.
Business Management: Outstanding performance, with 18% of scores at 40 or above.
Languages – Arabic: Remarkable achievement, with 100% of scores at 40 or above.
Coptic Hope Charity Announcement
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
Dearest Congregation,
Coptic Hope Charity is pleased and excited to announce that we once again will be running our Annual Christmas Appeal to support our brothers and sisters in Egypt.
With your love, support, and generosity this appeal allows us to send much needed food hampers containing day to day needs for the less fortunate in all regions of Egypt. Our aim this year is to send 4850 Christmas food hampers. Each food hamper will cost $70, which provides enough food for up to a family of 4. Larger families will receive multiple hampers. Please assist us in sending the less fortunate in Egypt a Christmas message of hope and most importantly Christ’s love. Whether you can donate one hamper, or ten hampers, they all count. You can join us by donating to the below bank account (a tax deductable receipt will be provided to all donors)
At Coptic Hope Charity we sponsor more than 1000 families on an ongoing basis. We would love to increase this support to many more families. This cannot be done without your ongoing support. If you would like to become a regular donor and sponsor a family for as little as $60 per month, please fill in our sponsorship form on our Facebook page (a tax-deductible receipt will be provided to all donors). For any further information please contact Nagy Banoub on 0423 411 715 / nsbanoub@yahoo.com May our Lord reward you all, wishing you all a blessed fast of the Holy Nativity.
New Church, New Building and Car Park are ready We started to use the New Building and church last on Lazarus Saturday 27th April 2024. church services are continuing as normal as in the Timetable inside the Bulletin. You can donate monthly contribution using Direct Debit forms available in the church or downloaded from church website. We thank Our Lord for this great Gift Cost of building works is around $13,000,000. Your support and donations will be blessing and very appreciated.
Donations to St Mary’s Church and Building project
