Australia federal ministers join Global Coptic Day in Sydney
To mark the feast of the Entry of the Holy Family into Egypt and the Global Coptic Day, both celebrated on 1 June, the St Wanas Coptic Orthodox congregation in Sydney together with their priest Father Suriel Hanna, held a celebration at their church in the neighbourhood of Plymore, west of Sydney.
Fr Suriel and the congregation were elated to welcome leaders from all levels of the Australian government, including Tony Burke, Federal Minister for Home Affairs, Immigration, Multiculturalism, Cybersecurity and the Arts; Sophie Cotsis, Minister for Industrial Relations, Occupational Health and Safety in the New South Wales State Government; and Rachel Harika, Member for the Council of Canterbury/Bankstown.
Fr Suriel extended his best wishes to the church's congregation, and welcomed the attending Australian ministers. He was keen to mention that the Orthodox Church prays a litany for the leaders of our countries, asking God to grant them wisdom and zeal to carry out their publicity duties.
Mr Burke gave a speech which he started with the greeting 'Christos Anesti', literal for Christ is Risen. He extended his heartfelt wishes to the Copts on the occasion of the Global Coptic Day, and the entry of the Holy Family into Egypt.
Father Suriel presented souvenir paintings of the Holy Family to the attending politicians, and thanked them for making the time to visit St Wanas church and partake in the celebrations and activities. The attendants then took commemorative photos.
Watani International
2 June 2025
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