Final day at Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney/Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne Annual Combined Sydney Youth Committee Conference, sharing thoughts on being a source of hope and joy for others, by first living and making manifest of that same hope and joy. Sad to see them go, but confident they will take the message to the world.

A wonderful visit with the delightful congregation of St Mary and St Luke in Gosford. Seeing their small church, their gracious hospitality and their joyful spirit reminded me of the early days of my own ministry in the United Kingdom. …and I loved meeting their newest member!

It has been a very busy day in Sydney, so please bear with me…but here’s a quick visual summary: 1/4

A wonderful Clergy Liturgy this morning for the priest of Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney, followed by a delightful fellowship brunch and a spiritual reflection on our priestly perspective of the world; moving from condemnation to compassion, based on understanding and forgiveness. 2/4

A wonderful meeting with priests’ wives; first of its kind in Sydney, and it was an absolute joy! Ordination periods ranged from 50 years to 2 days, and so it was an opportunity to express my thanks for their incredible ministry, and stress the need for this support network 3/4

…and finally, a hybrid meeting at St Mary & St Mina on the #RichYoungMan (Mark 10:17-22). As we start #Lent, are we ready to: 🔹Seek our Lord 🔹Run to Him 🔹Kneel before Him 🔹Seek counsel 🔹Accept His invitation to follow Was also able to stop along the way and watch some 🏀 4/4

A joyous day of school visits started with #StMark Coptic Orthodox Colleges in Sydney, with its 800+ students and major renovation of its older buildings. Blessed and privileged to inaugurate a new building dedicated for its primary school classes… Such a wonderful spirit! 1/2

…then to St Mary & St Mina's Coptic Orthodox College at its historical campus, and afterwards, across to a new site to officially dedicate a newly-erected Secondary Second building. Such an incredible joy to see all these wonderful seedlings and shoots that will become well-rooted and fruitful trees. 2/2

A pleasure to be at St Mina and St Anthony on the #GoldCoast speaking to a group of young people from across #Queensland “I have compassion on the multitude…and I do not want to send them away hungry lest they faint on the way” Mk15:32 His desire is that we never fall or fail

A blessed Liturgy this morning at St Mary in Brisbane, and a joyous welcome to young Raphael to the family with his Baptism. “I have no taste for the food that perishes, nor for the pleasures of life. I want the Bread of God…which is the love that cannot be destroyed” #Ignatius

At St Abanoub this evening for a general Youth Meeting, with young people from across Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney. Reflected on Mt20:9, “When those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius”, and that it is never too late to work for, and inherit, the kingdom.

Another busy day on this Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney trip started with a serene Lenten Liturgy with Fr Joshua Tadros and the welcoming community of Sts Cosman and Demian in Kellyville… 1/3

…then a joyous visit with the wonderful children and staff of St Bishoy College, listening to primary and secondary school choirs, and meeting with the head of collects and the Education Board. Thanked the children for being such wonderful ambassadors, and a source of joy… 2/3

…then finally at St Mark's Coptic Orthodox Church Sydney for a series of individual and committee meetings, followed by a wonderful general youth meeting at which we reflected on “Waiting on the Lord” and being reassured that we would “see the goodness of the Lord”. 3/3

Last full day of Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney visit started with the inaugural Divine Liturgy at the new parish of St John, followed by presentation of gifts for those who worked hard to make the day happen, a stop at the coffee station, and a celebratory cake cut with a wonderful assistant 1/4

…then a wonderful meeting of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney Board of Trustees and the various boards and committees that support processes throughout the diocese. So blessed to be able to serve with this extraordinary group of faithful and dedicated people! Thank you all for all you do 2/4

…then a meeting with and for young families, discussing the difference between boundaries and walls. “Boundaries are supposed to define your space, not necessarily keep the other person out, and in healthy relationships they must be agreed and consented to by both parties” 3/4

…and finally, Vespers in the chapel of the Three Holy Youth, followed by a meeting for Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney servants during which we discussed oneness of heart for servants, and our need to emulate our Lord Jesus Christ. “He took flesh that He may leave us footprints to follow in” 4/4

Beautiful St Mary & St Mina Cathedral Liturgy to conclude my Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney visit, with Consecration of a psalter and altar utensils, visit to Sunday school and multi-cultural group, and time with the choir and lovely children! Blessed to be serving you all! Thank you for your love.

Taking off from Sydney after a joyous @SydneyCopts visit as Papal Legate which included: Youth Conference Priest Ordination Planting of new parish School visits Parish visits Meetings for: Clergy and Clergy wives Young families Servants Youth Boards …and more… Thank you all!