About Our Diocese
The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne stands as a testament to the enduring faith and resilience of the Coptic community in Australia. Its origins trace back to the 1960s, when the first wave of Coptic immigrants arrived in Victoria, seeking new opportunities and religious freedom. These early settlers, though few in number, carried with them a deep commitment to their Orthodox Christian heritage and a vision to preserve it for future generations.
This vision began to materialise with the ministry of the late Very Reverend Fr Mina Nematalla OAM, nephew of His Holiness St Pope Kyrillos VI and the first Coptic Orthodox priest ordained to serve in Australia. Upon his arrival in Australia, Fr Mina first stopped in Melbourne, where, on 21 January 1969, he prayed the first Coptic Orthodox Liturgy on Australian soil. He then travelled to Sydney, where he was based, while continuing to journey between Sydney and Melbourne to serve the growing Coptic Orthodox congregations in both cities.
In April 1971, the late Very Reverend Fr Victor Rophael OAM was sent by His Holiness St Pope Kyrillos VI as the first priest appointed to serve the Coptic Orthodox community in Melbourne, Victoria. Fr Mina continued serving the Melbourne congregation until Fr Victor’s arrival, which marked the beginning of a permanent pastoral presence for the Coptic Orthodox faithful in Victoria. Fr Victor’s dedicated ministry played a foundational role in establishing and strengthening the Church throughout the state.
In 1972, the first official Coptic Orthodox Church in Melbourne, St Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Kensington, was established. This humble beginning marked a foundational milestone for what would become a thriving and expansive diocese.
As the Coptic population across Victoria and neighbouring states continued to grow throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the need for structured pastoral care and diocesan oversight became evident. In response, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, of blessed memory, appointed His Grace Bishop Suriel as the first Bishop of the Diocese of Melbourne in 1999. Under his leadership, the Diocese experienced significant growth, expanding its reach beyond Victoria to include Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, New Zealand, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands.
Over the next two decades, the Diocese flourished with the establishment of numerous churches, monasteries, schools, theological colleges, aged care services, and a wide range of ministries and youth initiatives. This period of growth reflected the strong spiritual foundation laid by the early community and its dedication to building a vibrant ecclesiastical and cultural presence in Australasia.
Following Bishop Suriel’s departure from the Diocese in 2018, the Diocese remained under the care of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II. In 2025, the Diocese entered a new and hopeful chapter with the appointment of His Grace Bishop Rewis as General Bishop by Papal Decree No. 2 of 2025. With pastoral, administrative, and financial authority, His Grace Bishop Rewis brings with him decades of monastic, pastoral, and global service experience. His arrival marks a renewed era of unity, spiritual renewal, and forward-looking leadership for the Coptic Orthodox faithful across the Diocese.
Today, the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne continues its mission to serve Christ, strengthen its communities, and witness to the Gospel across its vast geographical region, firmly grounded in the apostolic faith and the rich heritage of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
Diocese Headquarters
In September 2000, the Diocese undertook a significant initiative by acquiring a property in Coburg with the intention of establishing a Coptic Centre, which would include the Theological College. This endeavour received remarkable support from both the congregation and youth, manifested in generous financial contributions. Additionally, the students of the Theological College made extensive use of the facilities, fully utilising their potential. However, within two years, it became apparent that the increase in meetings, activities, and classes had surpassed the site's capacity. Consequently, the facility's use was constrained primarily to Theological College purposes.
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In late December 2001, by divine providence, we were informed of an extraordinary opportunity to acquire Whitefriars Park, a Carmelite Monastery established in 1937. Situated in the core of metropolitan Melbourne, this property presented an ideal solution to accommodate our growing needs for the foreseeable future, representing a unique and serendipitous occasion. The evident intervention of God in this process was profoundly felt.
Whitefriars Park has been transformed into The Coptic Orthodox Church - Diocese of Melbourne. Through continued divine grace, this site is envisioned to serve anew as a sanctuary for prayer, religious education, community fellowship, and spiritual retreat.
churches
31
monasteries
2
clergy
70
full deacons
20
monks
5
nuns
4
colleges
2
hostel
1
