Statement on the Offical Welcoming Ceremony of His Grace Bishop Rewis

With profound thanks to our gracious Lord and hearts filled with joy, the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne held the Official Welcoming Ceremony of His Grace Bishop Rewis on the evening of Friday 4 July 2025, marking the commencement of his ministry as General Bishop of the Diocese, following his appointment by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark.

This historic event took place at St Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Kensington, the first Coptic Orthodox Church established in Melbourne in 1972. The choice of St Mary’s as the venue held great symbolic significance - bringing the journey of the Diocese full circle. From the early beginnings of Coptic families in the 1960s and 70s who, with faith and perseverance, worshipped in rented halls while awaiting clergy, to the present day where a new bishop is welcomed in the same place, the occasion was both moving and monumental.

The evening was blessed by the presence of:

• His Grace Bishop Daniel – Bishop and Abbot of St Shenouda Monastery, NSW

• His Grace Bishop Kyriakos – representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

• Clergy representatives from the Syriac Orthodox Church, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Eritrean Orthodox Church and Greek Orthodox Church

• Beloved clergy of our Diocese, deacons and faithful congregants from across Melbourne.

  
  

The ceremony began with Vespers Prayers, spiritually uplifting all in attendance through the beautifully chanted hymns of the deacons. This was followed by a formal program of speeches delivered by: His Grace Bishop Rewis, His Grace Bishop Daniel, Very Reverend Fr Daniel Ghabrial, Vicar-General of the Diocese and Founding Parishioners of the Diocese.

In his address, Very Rev Fr Daniel Ghabrial, who grew up at St Mary’s Church, shared heartfelt reflections on the Church’s historical and spiritual significance. He remarked that if the walls of St Mary’s could speak, they would tell countless stories of faith, sacrifice and devotion through the generations. These walls have witnessed prayers of longing from early settlers, liturgies held in hope and the formation of a vibrant Coptic presence in Melbourne.

Fr Daniel went on to say:

“The people of Melbourne are a very special people. The generations that have gone past were giants in the faith, and we stand on the shoulders of those giants. The people of Melbourne love Christ dearly and love His Church dearly and will do anything for Christ’s Church and His people. So we are very blessed now to have a shepherd.”

He also expressed sincere gratitude to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II for his unwavering love, care and oversight during the seven-year episcopal vacancy, assuring the congregation that the Diocese was never left without pastoral attention from His Holiness.

In a touching gesture of brotherly love and unity, His Grace Bishop Kyriakos presented His Grace Bishop Rewis with an intricately crafted Orthodox bishop’s staff, symbolising the sacred duty of spiritual leadership and the bonds of Christian brotherhood.

In his speech, His Grace Bishop Rewis humbly thanked His Holiness Pope Tawadros II for entrusting him with this appointment and acknowledged the tireless efforts of the Diocese Management Committee, under the leadership of Very Rev Fr Daniel Ghabrial, for their stewardship over the past seven years.

Reflecting on the legacy of those who built the Diocese, His Grace said:

“They plant and we harvest their fruits. We remember the efforts of the late His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, the support of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II and all the late clergy of the Diocese.”

His Grace offered a moving spiritual reflection on the icon of Christ the Shepherd:

“As you see in the icon of Christ the Shepherd, and our true Shepherd who is the Lord Jesus Christ—the shepherd is always walking behind his flock to keep his eyes on each one of them. If he sees one of them cannot walk or follow the flock, he will lift them on his shoulders and carry them. This is our responsibility as clergy to do among our people. We are not here to be served, but I am here to be a servant for each one of you. Alone I cannot do it, but by the support of the beloved Fathers of this great Diocese, and through the prayers of the congregation.”

As we embrace this new chapter in the life of our Diocese, we give thanks to God for the generations who paved the way with faith and vision. We pray that the ministry of His Grace Bishop Rewis be filled with spiritual wisdom and a fruitful service, as he shepherds the people of this blessed Diocese.