Statement on the Tonsure of Omena Angela & Omena Gabriella for Archangel Michael Monastery for Nuns in Woodend, Victoria

With thanks to our gracious Lord and with hearts full of joy, the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne, under the shepherding of His Grace Bishop Rewis, together with the faithful of our blessed Diocese, extends its heartfelt congratulations to Omena Angela and Omena Gabriella on the occasion of their tonsure as nuns for Archangel Michael Monastery for Nuns in Woodend, Victoria.

This blessed tonsure took place at the Convent of St George for Nuns in El-Khattatba, affiliated with the Monastery of St George in Old Cairo, Egypt, on Saturday 21 March 2026, by the blessed hand of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, in the presence of His Grace Bishop Rewis, ten Metropolitans and Bishops, and the Abbesses of the respective Coptic convents.

On this joyous occasion, nine sisters in total were tonsured for three convents in Egypt and for our blessed Archangel Michael Monastery for Nuns.

Through their unwavering faith, Omena Angela and Omena Gabriella have answered a higher calling, choosing a path of selflessness, devotion, purity and deep love for Christ. Their commitment stands as a beacon of faith and spiritual dedication for our female congregants, under the guidance, care and devotion of Omena Antonia. As a Diocese, we rejoice in this blessed milestone and pray that our Lord may strengthen and uphold them in their monastic journey, granting them spiritual peace, wisdom, endurance and an ever-deepening union with Him.

With the tonsure of Omena Angela and Omena Gabriella, they now join Omena Antonia and Omena Mekaila, bringing the monastery to a total of four nuns, in addition to its novices. We ask the faithful to continue supporting this blessed monastery through your prayers and gifts, that it may continue to grow and flourish for the glory of God.

We also offer our sincere gratitude to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II for his continual shepherding, love and support for our Diocese, and for his fatherly care toward the growth and flourishing of monastic life within our Church.

May God preserve His Church, bless our beloved Diocese, and grant many heavenly blessings to Omena Angela and Omena Gabriella in their sacred calling.

Tuesday 24 March 2026