Archangel Michael & St Anthony’s Coptic Orthodox Church

Did the name Oakleigh ever make you wonder about angels? Right here, before us, stands Archangel Michael & St Anthony’s Coptic Orthodox Church. It’s a testament to a community’s faith and resilience. Archangel Michael & St Anthony’s Coptic Orthodox Church traces its roots back to 1975. The growing Coptic community in Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs began holding Saturday services in Dandenong. Led by Fr Tadros Yacoub Malaty of St Mary’s Church, these monthly gatherings soon became weekly. The founders had a vision. They wanted to dedicate their church to Archangel Michael. During a visit, Bishop Antionious-Morkos suggested adding Saint Anthony, creating a beautiful pairing of the “angel of heaven” and the “angel of the desert.” Archangel Michael & St Anthony’s Coptic Orthodox Church needed a dedicated priest. Their prayers were answered when Pope Shenouda III sent Father Bessanti El-Anba Bishoy. He began regular Sunday services in 1976. Four months later, he was relocated to Canada. The aging Fr Issac Botros stepped in, leading services despite his declining health. Later in 1976, a permanent priest arrived: Fr Hanannia El-Anba Bishoy. The congregation rented a small church on James Street in Dandenong. They dreamed of owning a permanent home. An opportunity arose when the Uniting Church of Australia left a property vacant in Oakleigh. The asking price was a steep $200,000. The congregation, primarily factory workers and recent migrants, faced a daunting challenge. Undeterred, they rallied together, fundraising and pledging donations. The late Mr Kamal Abdel Messehah played a pivotal role. He negotiated with the trustee, emphasizing the continued worship of God as the ultimate goal. His powerful words, “we buy them and defend them with our blood,” swayed the trustee. In May 1980, the Coptic community moved into their new home: Archangel Michael & St Anthony’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Oakleigh. That same week, Fr Hannania was called back to Egypt to become Bishop of Tahta. God’s providence shone through as Fr Daniel El-Antony, a young man from Sydney who had joined Saint Anthony’s Monastery in Egypt, became the new parish priest. Fr Mina Rizkallah has served here since 1983. Archangel Michael & St Anthony’s Coptic Orthodox Church has witnessed many blessings. Pope Shenouda III celebrated his first Melbourne liturgy here in 1989. He also consecrated the church’s first altar. The church expanded in 1989-1990 and again received the Pope’s blessing in 1993. Archangel Michael & St Anthony’s Coptic Orthodox Church stands as a beacon of faith. It’s a story of dedication, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of a spiritual home.