“One thousand and seven years after Saint Mark the Evangelist first arrived in Egypt.” That’s where our story of the Coptic Church in Sydney begins. It’s a tale of faith. It’s a tale of perseverance. It’s a tale of community.
In 1967 a letter reached Pope Kyrollos VI. Far away immigrants asked for guidance. He prayed for an answer to the request. Major Edward Labib Nematalla received the Apostolic blessing in 1968. His uncle, the Pope, gave it to him. Deacon Edward Nematalla accepted the blessing to become Australia’s First Coptic Orthodox Priest.
The ordination was a grand event. Deacons sang. Cathedral bells rang. Metropolitan Abba Maximus placed his hands on the deacon. He elevated him to the priesthood. Then he elevated him to the rank of Hegumen on March 10, 1969. This date became a milestone. It was the first priest for the Oriental Orthodox Churches around the world. He was called Abouna Mina Nematalla. The congregation rejoiced with Heaven at the choice.
After a long journey Father Mina Nematalla arrived in Sydney. It was January 24, 1969. The Liner Patrice docked at Sydney Harbour. People greeted him. They chanted. “Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord.”
Father Mina started his service immediately. He established teams. They would help him in his new work. He visited all the families in Australia. He also visited Melbourne and New Zealand. The congregation grew quickly. Another priest was needed. Father Mina stayed in Sydney. Father Victor Raphael ministered in Melbourne.
Pope Shenouda the Third became Patriarch in November 1971. He did extraordinary things. The 1970s saw many Coptic immigrants arrive in Australia. Father Mina knew more churches were needed. They should be in the suburbs where Copts lived.
A building was set up in Mount Druitt on June 1, 1980. Services began there. In 1982 the building burnt down. Unknown vandals caused the damage. Father Mina oversaw the building of a new church. It was the first Coptic Orthodox Church built outside of Egypt. It was built in authentic Coptic style. The church was named Archangel Michael and Saint Bishoy. It opened on September 13, 1987. The Egyptian Ambassador Mr. Nabil Badr attended. The General Secretary of the N.S.W Ecumenical Council Rev. Dr. Ray Williamson was there too. Heads of Churches and government representatives also attended.
Pope Shenouda the Third consecrated the church. It happened on November 26, 1989. Bishops were present. On March 28, 1991, Archangel Michael and Saint Bishoy Church gained another priest. Dr. Alaa Kaldas became Father Antonious Kaldas.
Makram Bebawy taught hymns to the congregation. He wanted the people to feel part of the Mass. On March 14, 1999, Father Botros Morkos preached his first sermon. The church was blessed with three great fathers. It was the first church in Sydney with three priests.
The worshipers wanted more for their children. They wanted them taught Coptic Orthodox ways. Father Botros started Saint Bishoy’s Coptic Orthodox College. It began from nothing. In 2000 Saint Bishoy’s Coptic Orthodox College officially opened.
Father Mina loved the priesthood. He was full of faith and hope. On July 1, 2000, Father Mina Nematalla passed away. He was the founder of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Australia. He gave his life to the church. Under his leadership Sydney grew. It went from a converted Salvation Army hall to twenty churches. There were also three schools, a monastery, a theological college and thirty-six priests, and a Bishop.
Father Mina’s funeral showed his impact on the Church. Over three thousand people attended. Bishop Abba Ashaya and Bishop Abba Suriel led the service. All the Reverent Fathers in Australia and New Zealand were there. Delegates from other denominations and religions attended. The Ambassador of Egypt and the Consul General of Sydney were present.
The Church was in turmoil after Father Mina’s death. There were only two priests to serve the congregation. Even with a third priest there was a need for more. Medhat Yassa became Father Gabriel Yassa. The ordination brought joy to everyone.
Makram Bebawy passed away unexpectedly. He left behind a job well done. Bishop Abba Daniel visited the Parish for the first time on October 15, 2002. The congregation met His Grace.
The Church began to flourish again. His Grace established committees. They would look after the Church. On April 25, 2002, Sister Irini was ordained as a Consecrated Sister. On February 22, 2003, Father Antonious became Hegumen.
With the growth of the congregation another priest was needed. Dr. Emil Botros became Father Bishoy Botros. The Coptic Church in Sydney continues to grow. It is a testament to faith and community.