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Our Parish

Since December 1974, St Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church - Melbourne has been a joyful presence in the City of Darebin. Established by the late Fr. Victor Rophael OAM of blessed memory, our Parish began as Melbourne's second Coptic Orthodox Church, initially located in Northcote. In those early years, we gathered in a rented bluestone Uniting Church on High St, where a sense of community and faith was built that would grow beyond its walls.

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As our parish family expanded, the need for a larger, permanent home became clear. By August 1986, we acquired land on Gilbert Rd in Preston and embarked on constructing Victoria’s first purpose-built Coptic Orthodox Church. Many parishioners contributed both financially and through skilled labour, with some even withdrawing from personal loans to make the dream a reality. Talented members of the community took on projects such as crafting the church fence, minarets, and the metal crosses adorning the domes, as well as contributing to the church’s intricate iconography. By July 1990, the church was completed and consecrated by the late His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, with six visiting Bishops, in a historic ceremony on Sunday 24 February 1991.

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From these humble beginnings, our Parish has grown into a vibrant, dynamic part of the City of Darebin. We are deeply committed to supporting our local and extended communities, especially through our renowned annual festivals and vital outreach initiatives. St Mark’s Church is passionate in partnering with organisations such as Foodbank Victoria, Darebin Council and Manna4Life to provide weekly meals, shelter, and employment assistance. These services are essential to underprivileged members of the community and to newcomers from Egypt, offering them a sense of stability and belonging as they begin new lives in Australia.

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As our congregation continues to flourish, we look to the future with faith and gratitude, committed to building on the legacy of those who came before us. Our story is one of growth, service, and unwavering community spirit and we are blessed to be part of the enduring fabric of Darebin’s diverse landscape.

Parish Timeline

  • December 1974: St Mark's Coptic Orthodox Church was founded in Northcote by the late Fr. Victor Rophael OAM of blessed memory. The parish began at a rented bluestone Uniting Church on High St, providing a new spiritual home for Melbourne’s growing Coptic Orthodox community and becoming the city's second Coptic Orthodox parish.

 

  • August 1986: With the parish expanding rapidly, a plot of land was purchased on Gilbert Rd in Preston. This marked the beginning of a major development for the community: the construction of Victoria’s first purpose-built Coptic Orthodox church.

 

  • July 1990: Construction of the new church building was completed, representing years of dedicated efforts by parishioners and skilled members of the community who contributed their time, resources, and skills.

 

  • February 1991: The newly completed church was consecrated in a historic ceremony led by the late His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, along with six visiting Bishops on 24 February 1991. This consecration solidified St Mark’s as a centre of faith and community for Coptic Orthodox Christians in Melbourne.

 

  • 2004: The parish expanded further with the purchase of an adjacent factory building at 30-38 Gilbert Rd. This additional space allowed St Mark’s to continue accommodating the future needs of a growing congregation.

 

  • October 2008: Fr. Victor Rophael OAM, the founding priest of St Mark’s Church, passed away on 14 October 2008 at 10:28pm, leaving a lasting legacy of faith and service that continues to inspire the parish.

 

  • July 2017: Another property at 28 Gilbert Rd was acquired, marking further expansion and providing more facilities to meet the needs of an ever-growing community.

 

  • July 2019: Fr. Youhanna Samuel joined St Mark’s Church as a parish priest, bringing new guidance and support the spiritual growth of the congregation.

 

  • November 2021: Fr. George Farag was welcomed as another parish priest, strengthening the parish's pastoral needs.

 

  • November 2021: Deacon Paul Doss was ordained on 26 November 2021 by the hands of His Grace Bishop Daniel, supporting the parish's liturgical services and needs.

 

  • April 2021: The Manna4Life service was established, aiming to provide vital support for the community, particularly in helping the underprivileged and those facing hardships within the City of Darebin.

 

  • December 2022: St Mark’s Church launched a Foodbank service, in partnership with local organisations, to provide free food supplies to individuals and families in need, reaffirming the church’s commitment to social outreach.

 

  • August 2023: The demolition of the factory building commenced, marking the start of a new expansion project. This initiative paves the way for future developments, enhancing St Mark’s Church facilities and services to meet the needs of the growing community.

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