MelbCopts - Coptic Orthodox Church Diocese of Melbourne Headquarters

New Diocese Headquarters in Donvale

Diocese of Melbourne Headquarters
Sharing the Vision

Opportunities like this one do not come along everyday but through the grace and love of God a major milestone in the life of our church has been reached. On Friday 25th January 2002 on the feast of Saint Maximus and Saint Domadius, the Diocese of Melbourne and its Affiliated Regions signed a contract to purchase a rare and magnificent property to establish as the new headquarters of the Diocese of Melbourne. A centre that will be pivotal to all the activities of the Diocese, including St Athanasius Theological College as well as cater for youth activities and family needs.
This site is now called The Coptic Orthodox Church - Diocese of Melbourne. Through God's blessings, we at last have a site that not only fulfils our present requirements, but one that will meet the needs of our community, for many years to come.
Just 20 minutes from Melbourne's CBD via the Eastern Freeway, the Diocese is easily accessible from most parts of Melbourne, including our six parish churches. It is located at:
The Coptic Orthodox Church - Diocese of Melbourne
Cnr Park Road and Heads Road, Donvale VICTORIA

A Short History
In September 2000, the Diocese purchased a property in Coburg to establish as a Coptic Centre incorporating the Theological College. Extraordinary support was received both from the congregation and the youth in generous financial support and the theological college students who utilised the facilities to their capacity. Over the following two years the number of meetings, activities and theological college classes being held, exceeded the physical space available and it became clear that this facility would only be sufficient for, and limited to Theological College uses.
In late December of 2001, through God's grace, we were made aware of an exceptional property that had come up for sale. The property was called Whitefriars Park, a Carmelite Monastery established in 1937. In the heart of metropolitan Melbourne, with the capacity to cater to our needs for many years to come, it is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and one in which the hand of God can be felt at work.
Whitefriars Park has now become The Coptic Orthodox Church - Diocese of Melbourne and through God's Grace, it will once again be used as a place of prayer, religious study, fellowship and retreat.

The Coptic Orthodox Church Diocese of Melbourne in Donvale
Sprawled over twenty-two acres of natural bush and beautifully manicured parkland, the Coptic Orthodox Church - Diocese of Melbourne in Donvale possesses an abundance of peace and tranquillity that is hard to find in suburban Melbourne.
In addition to the serene atmosphere, the site also has some very practical features including:
A church seating approximately 200
A library that is 10 times the size of our previous one
A three-level main building of generous proportions boasting fifty bedrooms
Two large dining rooms (accommodating 200 people each) serviced by a fully renovated commercial kitchen
Many large and medium sized meeting rooms
A large soccer field/oval and a tennis court
A manicured garden courtyard
2-bedroom, fully self-contained caretaker's residence

The Benefit for our Community
Melbourne's Coptic community has grown and achieved much in the past, particularly in the last two years under the care and leadership of H G Bishop Suriel who has energised us with his enthusiasm and fervour for a strong and active church. This new property is a God-given opportunity to continue this growth and is a very solid foundation for an even better future for the Diocese.
The Coptic Orthodox Church - Diocese of Melbourne will focus on enriching the lives of all the members of our community - families, the elderly, and particularly our children and youth today and in future generations.
More specifically, the establishment of the new property will create:
The seventh church in Melbourne named after our great Saint Athanasius; with regular liturgies and midnight praises. The Church will also have altars for Saints Maximus and Domadius and Saint Philopateer Mercurius.
Premises for the established and growing Theological College.
Overnight retreat facilities (much more than double those in Coburg)
A library that is 10 times larger than our previous facility.
A unique bookshop and a place for St Athanasius Press & Publications Centre.
Function and convention facilities.
A Youth Centre and sports complex.

Your Support
The new property is a significant venture, but it is one that represents an excellent investment, both in terms of the enviable facilities it provides, and the generous no-interest repayment terms that have been agreed with the prior owners over the next five years.

The great possibilities this centre will provide for all members of our community, certainly is evidence of God's blessings and love for us that we have achieved so much for ourselves and our children.
We have been delighted by the response of those who have taken this project to their hearts and already generously offered their financial support. We would be grateful for your encouragement in the way of any contributions you are able to make. Donations are fully tax deductible.
Several options have been developed. Please choose the one that best suits your circumstances: remember, donations are fully tax deductible and a receipt will be sent to you. This truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our Diocese. Thank you for your prayers, your love and your support, and may God bless you.

COYA

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