Diocese of Melbourne

www.thedome.org.au

Last Sunday 26 of April 2009, at the Fundraising Resurrection Dinner, His Grace Bishop Suriel spoke at that night about our future vision for the diocese and that this vision encompasses each individual person, no matter their age, education or gender. His Grace quoted the verses in (Deuteronomy 6:6-9) and said that The Word of God is central to our lives as Christians for both young and old. It is our source of comfort, peace and hope; and it is clear that God wants His word to be ingrained into our hearts and souls and He wants us to teach them diligently to our children. He also tells us that these words should be immovable before our eyes! Why, because they will protect us from sin and will lead us to heaven if we follow them carefully.
This is the whole philosophy behind “The Dome.” To be a place full of peace, spirituality and a place that gives hope and can guide people to salvation and also a place where everyone can feel welcome. A place where the Word of God is central and immovable before us in everything we do.
His Grace said that the Lord blessed us with our current 22-acre site at Donvale, and many could see the vision and the great benefits of the site.
It was put to immediate use, holding many fruitful Youth Conventions, seminars, theological symposia, family spiritual days, regular liturgies and church services and much more. The support of the Coptic community across the diocese was incredible. Now we have outgrown our current building and we need a vision for the future, a vision that will encompass all our current and future needs for generations to come.
“The Dome” is not about bricks and mortar but it is an investment towardsevery individual we serve. Every child, youth, adult and elderly person will gain and benefit from this vision, physically, intellectually, socially and most importantly spiritually.
Is it an ambitious project? Yes it is.
Can we achieve it? Yes we can by the grace of God, and the community has proven that it is capable of the task. Just as the Coptic faithful have been successful in establishing two fine Coptic Schools, a Hostel for the elderly, a monastery and many fine Coptic Orthodox
churches as well as The Dome in Donvale, and many necessary services that are too many to mention here. So, why do we need a multipurpose complex first?

His Grace said that the immediate need for a multipurpose complex is to cater for the social, sporting and spiritual needs of our young people. But this first stage of building will not only be of benefit for youth. It will be a place where our senior citizens can become more active and will be a great social outlet for them and it is vital for young and old to gather there. The young can learn from the wisdom and knowledge of the seniors and the seniors can gain strength from the vitality and energy of the young. Actually, it will be a melting pot for all and not just one specific group. It will be a welcoming place that will have a friendly family atmosphere. We want to create the sense of this site of being a real village. People know each other, care for each other and are willing to help each other and be a support for each other and encourage each other to reach greater heights in all aspects of our lives and in particular our spiritual lives.
I see “The Dome” as a village that will promote spiritual growth for all our community and a place that will provide amenities that many can benefit from in many positive ways.
“The Dome” is a place that will enrich our Christian spiritual Journey together.
Remember, this is not my vision alone, it is our collective vision, each person needs to take ownership of this vision and make it his or her own. I hope and pray that you are ready to take this beautiful journey with me, as I promise you that I am fully committed to this vision as I hope you will be. I hope that we can stand as one united people and place ourselves in God’s mighty hands and care and trust in Him to guide us for the sake of the glory of His Holy Name. I also pray that this journey will be a transformative experience for us all and lead us to live a holy and repentant life with our God and Saviour Jesus Christ.
His Grace ended his speech by offering thanks to the many people who have worked so hard behind the scenes, as well all the members of the Steering committee, the clergy of the diocese for their continued support and to each and indeed to everyone for their trust in him and assured that each of them is very dear to His Grace.