7th January 2020

HG NEW YEAR MESSAGE

Province in ElMenia, and the (Ecclesiastes 1:14) What would enable us, to have the new life in village of Badraman, Der Mouas man benefi t from the wind? Christ, not only in 2020, but also Porvince, again in ElMenia, and Ascetism in everything is the during our entire life, through the in El Warraq. In 2015, there were source of leaving all things for intercessions of the Ever-Virgin our brave heroes the Martyrs in the sake of God. And here, our the All-Holy Lybia, at the Botroseya Church teach St. Peter the Apostle said, Mary together with all the choirs in 2016 and in Tanta, Alexandria, “we have left all and followed of the , and through the Anba and You” (Luke 18:28), to which Christ prayers of the Father of Fathers, Helwan in 2017. After 2017, answered “everyone who has left His Holiness Pope Tawadros the My Dear and beloved children, persecutions have stopped for a for My name’s sake, shall the Reverend fathers the Priests, while, and today, in the beginning receive a hundredfold, , Deacons, Servants, of 2020, The Lord permits that and inherit eternal , Consecrated Sisters, and I share with you an important life” (Matthew 19:29). all the Congregation of the Lord topic we all have to practice this Christianity is an ascetic loving Diocese of Sydney, grace, year, and all the days of our lives, religion, and should not be blessings, peace, love and which the Lord grants us. How comprehended otherwise, mercy of Our Lord Jesus Christ, does our life witness for Christ? and an ascetic person our God and Saviour, to whom Just as our fathers the Martyrs never fears persecution. is due glory, honour, dominion, of this Century have witnessed Thus we have to hold on to power and worship. for Him. what’s above and not cling to anything in this world, I would like to congratulate you Our Church has taught us that no matter what. on the start of the new year 2020, our complete love for God is praying to Our Lord Jesus Christ the fi rst lesson, by which we Here comes the third to support us with His heavenly witness to Jesus Christ our lesson, by which we help for this to be a year full of Lord. As St. , witness for Christ in the the fruit of the Holy Spirit for father of all Monks and the star start of the new year, which everyone of us. The title of this of the wilderness has said, “if represents the end of the year’s message is “How do we God is yours, you, then, own fi rst one fi fth of the 21st witness for Christ in the new everything, even though you Century, this is bravery and year and all our days?” might be deprived of all things.” daring. We should never Complete love for God means, be ashamed to declare 19 years have passed of the 21st that our love for God conquers our faith of our Lord, God Century and this year, 2020, is our love for the world and our and Saviour Jesus, and witness Second, the Pope of Alexandria the 20th year of this century, by bodies. Ones complete love to the Godly and biblical truth and of the See of St which one fi fth of this century for God hopes that one has a all the days of our life. Bravery Mark, we ask the Lord to keep would pass. Days after days and place with God in His Kingdom. demands rock solid faith in Our his life for us for many years and years follow years, time fl ies and Our fathers the Martyrs, in their Lord Jesus Christ, as well as peaceful times. a wise person would redeem the complete love for God, were having the virtue of patience. May the Lord keep you all in His time, for the days are evil. only seeking the better heavenly Our teacher Tertullian said “by Love, may He keep and protect home. For, my beloved, our true the strength of this patience, you in His name to the last In the past 19 years, many events home is in heaven, just as our the patience of the soul and breath. took place, the most signifi cant teacher said the patience of the body, Isiah of which is the persecutions “for our citizenship is in heaven”. the prophet was sowed in two, I wish all of you a Happy New faced by our Mother Church Hence, in this year, increase yet he never stopped speaking Year during the past 19 years, which your love for God, and develop about the Lord”. Our righteous were a source of blessing for it with prayer, fasting, reading hero martyrs of Lybia witnessed May you always be true her. At the beginning of this God’s Word, and taking part in for the Lord Jesus, through witnesses of Christ and may the century, we saw the martyrs of the Holy Mysteries, and don’t let their strong faith, and patience, Grace of God be with all of us. the service in Samalout in 2004, anyone or anything, whatsoever, they were brave, and didn’t fear only four years after the start of to separate you from the Love of death by the sword. Yes, they Keep me in your prayers. the 21st Century. Persecutions God. were beheaded, but with their surfaced again in 2010 at Nagaa complete love for God, and their The Servant of the Lord Jesus Hammadi, Omraneya, the Church Our Church had also taught us in this world, as well Christ of the Saints (El Kidisseen) in a second very important lesson, as their bravery, they became Sidi Bishr, Alexandria. In 2011 at by which we can witness for great martyrs who witnessed to Mansheyet Nasser and Maspiro. Christ, which is ascetism, which Christ in the whole world during In 2012 in the villages of Touh, is a product of our complete love this Century. and Faroufi ah in Samlaout – for God. My beloved, we all have Bishop Daniel ElMenia. And again in 2013 at to understand that “all is vanity I wish you all, a happy New Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese the village of Delga, Der Mouas and grasping for the wind” Year 2020, full of grace, that of Sydney & Affi liated Regions 2 [email protected] 28th Kiahk 1736 ’ News

ST POPE KYRILLOS VI & ST THE ARCHDEACON CHURCH PRESENTS Australia Day Cup 2020 ANNUAL YOUTH SOCCER COMPETITION When: Sunday 26 January 2020 Women:1:00pm - Men:3:00pm Where: 119 Barton St, Monterey NSW 2217 What: 5 a side + Subs futsal competition, Sausage sizzle, Drinks & Snacks Price: $100 per Team

Register a team by 19/01/2020 & more info At: australia-day-cup-2020.eventbrite.com.au

Published by the Diocese of Sydney & its Affiliated Regions 3 7th January 2020 ST PAUL’S MISSION CHRISTMAS PARTY A STUNNING SUCCESS

By Andrew Hanna “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” Hebrews 13:2

With Christmas just around less fortunate brothers and as buses came in fi lled with Fr Yousef in the Church. the corner, many of us are sisters on a weekly basis. In fact, dozens of homeless people • A nicely prepared very fortunate to celebrate every Wednesday night St Paul’s from diff erent areas of the CBD Christmas Hamper fi lled with a this occasion with a wonderful Mission serves the homeless being warmly welcomed by an handful of useful gifts to remind banquet of food alongside our across diff erent locations in entourage of volunteers who them of this wonderful event. friends and family. Unfortunately, Sydney’s CBD: Wynyard Park, were ready to be their hosts for however, not everyone has this Woolloomooloo, Martin Place, this special night. same privilege; some people do and Ward Park. On Wednesday The homeless were really not have a table and furniture the 18th of December 2019, The Christmas party had plenty appreciative of the talk given by to host such a banquet, some however, St Paul’s Mission did to off er our beloved guests, Father Yousef Fanous along with might not have enough food, not go and serve in the CBD, but which included: all the eff orts of the volunteers and some do not even have rather it brought our brothers • An amazing banquet of who hosted the Christmas a roof over their heads this and Sisters in Christ to St Pope food, drinks, dessert, and hot Party - you all helped make this Christmas! Sadly, the problem Kyrillos VI and St Habib Girgis drinks. Christmas Party a wonderful and is getting worse as the number Church Monterey to serve them • Uplifting live successful night! We strongly of homeless people in Australia there. The event truly brings out performances by The Coptic encourage the youth of Sydney has increased by 13% in the past the best in both the volunteers Diocese Choir Sydney who to attend St Paul’s Mission, 5 years to a total of over 116,000 and our beloved guests as we performed a lovely assortment we meet at 7:30pm every people (2016 ABS Census). As are all made to feel that we are of Christmas Carols. Wednesday night at St Pope such, now more than ever there one big family celebrating this • Free clothes display Kyrillos VI and St Habib Girgis is a greater need to help our less wonderful occasion together which was set up on the Church Church, 119 Barton St Monterey. fortunate brothers and sisters. in the Love of our Lord Jesus grounds, which our guests had Thank you to everyone who Christ. access to throughout the whole helped. Merry Christmas!! Since the year 2000, St Paul’s night Mission has been serving our The evening commenced • A wonderful talk given by

4 [email protected] 28th Kiahk 1736 Copts’ News CAROLS ON THE LAWN 2019 By Bishoy Bassilious On Saturday, December 14, the man in red himself – which As the sun began to set, guests out another memorable year. hundreds of people of all protected him from the hot gathered in front of the stage, The Diocese looks forward to it ages from across the diocese Sydney sun. equipped with picnic rugs, being even bigger and better in attended ‘Carols on the Lawn’ Many of Santa’s helpers, candles, glow-sticks, and their 2020. at St Pope Kyrillos VI & St Habib wearing an assortment of hats, voices, joining those who had The first major event of the new Girgis Church, Monterey. reindeer antlers and Christmas already reserved a space on the decade is the church’s much- Into just its fifth year – since attire could be seen wandering lawn. anticipated ‘Australia Day Cup the inaugural event in 2015 – through the crowd of Christmas The night featured performances – Youth Soccer Competition’. the carols give parishioners revelers. A purpose-built stage by artists from both the Coptic Taking place on Sunday, the opportunity to celebrate with a Nativity scene backdrop and local community – many January 26, 2020, the women’s the birth of Jesus with other served as the perfect platform returning from previous Carols competition begins at 1pm, with churches and bring together the to host some Christmas cheer. on the Lawn’ – including crowd the men’s competition kicking local beachside community. The evening began at 4pm, with favourites such as Brendan Tran off at 3pm. This year’s proceedings showed a range of kids’ activities on and Elysa V. Organisers of the annual soccer no signs of slowing down, proving offer including a jumping castle, Psalm 34, the renowned Malak competition – which is held on why this popular Christmas basketball game, obstacle Worship Team from Archangel the church grounds at Monterey tradition is a mainstay on the course and face painting. & St Bishoy’s Church, – suggest that churches and Sydney’s church calendar. Food stalls providing traditional Mount Druitt, also made their teams wishing to participate Christmas decorations, wreaths Egyptian cuisine, fresh drinks debut appearance at the carols. should register early, as there and a Christmas tree adorned and a sausage sizzle were also Together they joined in the are limited spots available. the church and its surrounding available for those looking for Christmas spirit, singing carols lawn. A large pavilion was the something to eat before the in unison and celebrating the home of Santa’s chair – and night’s carols got underway. Nativity of Jesus Christ, to round

Published by the Diocese of Sydney & its Affiliated Regions 5 7th January 2020

Coptic Orthodox Church Diocese of Sydney & Affiliated Regions ST MARK’ S COPTIC ORTHODOX COLLEGE Congratulations Year 12 Class of 2019 Ranked 69th across NSW  28/74 (37.58) Yr 12 students achieved Band 6 results in all Courses 81 x Band 6 = 20.98% awarded to Yr 12 (with Yr 11 Accelerants)

Congratulations to all 75 HSC 2019 students and to the following students that achieved these outstanding results. Congratulations to our 2019 ALL ROUNDERS Achieving Band 6 in all their Courses

   Anthony AZER George AZER Andrew Derias Sarah FAHMY NSW All Rounder NSW All Rounder NSW All Rounder NSW All Rounder Chemistry, English Adv, Physics Chemistry, English Adv, Physics Chemistry, English Adv, Physics Biology, Chemistry, English Adv

Angelo HANNA Carol Iskarous Pierre ZAKI NSW All Rounder NSW All Rounder NSW All Rounder Biology, Business Studies, English Adv, Chemistry, English Adv, Physics Chemistry, English Adv, Physics Maths Ext 1, Maths Ext 2 To Live is Christ

6 [email protected] 28th Kiahk 1736 Copts’ News

Ranked 69th in NSW  2019 DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVERS ACHIEVING BAND 6 (TOP 10% IN STATE)COURSES 28/74 (37.58) Yr 12 students achieved Band 6 results in all Courses 81 x Band 6 = 20.98% awarded to Yr 12 (with Yr 11 Accelerants)

George AWADALLA Nicole BESHAI Chantelle BESHARA Marian DERIAS Peter DERIAS Rohan DIXIT Petar DRCA Maths 2U & Ext 1, Chem Business Studies Maths Ext 1 English Adv Chemistry, Physics Business Studies, Eng Adv,  Maths Standard Maths 2U

James EDWARD George FAHIM Ekaterina FILMONOVA Mina GRACE Maria HANNA Stephanie HANNA Joshua KHALL English Adv Maths 2U English Adv, Vis Arts Maths Ext 2 Biology Maths 2U Bus Stud, Vis Arts

    

Mira KHIRALLA Mark MAGAR Sherry MEKHAEL Jineel PATEL Sandra SALEIB Priscilla SHIBU AnneͲMarie YOUSSEF

Maths 2U Maths 2U Biology, Maths Ext 1,  Maths 2U English Adv, Eng Ext 1 Business Studies, Eng Adv, SOR2 English Adv *Arabic Cont (External)

Andrew BADAWY ACC Peter BADROS ACC Marcus BOCTOR ACC Jonathan GHALY ACC Gloria GHATAS ACC Peter GHOBRIAL ACC Arnav JAWALE ACC Michael KAMEL ACC Maths Ext 1 Maths Ext 1 Maths Ext 1, Maths Ext 2 Maths 2U Maths Ext 1, Maths Ext 2 Maths Ext 1, Maths Ext 2 Maths Ext 1 Maths Ext 1

Claudia MANKARIOUS Shweta MARATHE ACC Marina MIKHAIL ACC Anthony NAKHIL ACC Justina SAWIRES ACC Rahul SHARMA ACC Charles TAWFIK ACC  Matthew TAWFIL ACC ACC Maths Ext 1 Maths 2U Maths 2U, Maths Ext 1 Maths Ext 1, Maths Ext 2 Maths 2U, Maths Ext 1 Maths Ext 1, Maths Ext 2 Maths Ext 1, Maths Ext 2 Maths Ext 1, Maths Ext 2 ST MARK’ S COPTIC ORTHODOX COLLEGE To Live is Christ *= Couse undertaken elsewhere therefore not calculated in school rankings. We nonetheless are proud of all our students achievements!

 ACC = Accelerated

52 Australis Av WATTLE GROVE NSW 2173 T: +612 9825 6768 F: +612 9825 6489 E: [email protected]. W: www.stmarks.nsw.edu.au

Published by the Diocese of Sydney & its Affiliated Regions 7 7th January 2020

SERMONS

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www.exodusyouthworx.org.au @exodusyouthworx Exodus Youth Worx Powered by Young People Exodus Youth Worx was created 18 years We have Programs and Services that ago to serve the Coptic Community are all free to the our community alongside the Church, providing much needed, complimentary and essential including: support and services. Free Counselling Case Management Your participation is vital to keeping our Youth Services doors open. We need you! Outreach When you need us, for yourself, your Mentoring and Internship family member or a friend, we want to be Employment Readiness able to be here for you. This is a growing Drug and Alcohol Counselling service that plays a valuable role in our Community Development Community and we want you to be part of that. Tutoring Crisis Intervention Crisis Accommodation EYW is endorsed and supported Seniors Support and Advocacy by C.O.P.T.S Inc Inc. Support for victims of Domestic Violence Support Groups You can donate through our website www.exodusyouthworx.org.au Exodus Youth Worx or via Direct Deposit 2/440 West Botany St, BSB 112-879 Rockdale, 2216 ACC 465556041 9597 4330 or 0468 329 206 All donations over $2 are Tax Deductible [email protected] 8 [email protected] 28th Kiahk 1736 Copts’ News

St. Mark Nubian Foundation (ACN 168 959 966 / ABN 29 168 959 966) P.O.BOX 574 ST MARYS NSW 1790 TEL: 61-2-0410 285 118 FAX: 61-2-9833 9299 EMAIL ADDRESS: - “[email protected]” (For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men) “1 Peter 2:15” Location:

“And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying; This is my beloved Son, in whom I ____ well pleased” (Mat3:17) While we are commemorating the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and His Divine appearance; the Directors of our charitable organisation would like to The Polding Centre send their warmest wishes to our Patriarch:- ____ H.H. Pope Abba Tawadros II

And to his partner in the Apostolic service our beloved bishop Level 5 H.G. Abba Daniel CITY LUNCHTIME ____ Wishing them, as well as the whole Coptic people all over the world, joyful feasts full of the Christ peace. During these festivities we urge you not to forget the Lord’s BIBLE STUDY brethren in the war torn zones in Africa. 133 Liverpool St

Accordingly, we would like to provide you with the names and mobile phones ____ numbers of our beloved volunteers who are holding Tax Deductible Receipts as follows: - Sydney EVERY THURSDAY Your cheerful donation can also be forwarded to our bank account with details as follows: - Swift Code: - SGBLAU2S 1PM BSB: - 112-879 A’cc: - 493911231 LIVERPOOL ST Financial Institution: - St. George Bank Account Name: - St. Mark Nubian Foundation SYDNEY

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St. Mark Nubian Foundation Board of Directors:- Fr. Yousef Fanous (Director & Presiding Member), Fr. Pishoi Botrous (Director & Vice President), Mobarak Alera (Director & Liaison Officer), and Emile Girgis (Director and Secretary & Treasurer)

CHRIST ABOVE THE TEMPLE TAX

Christ our Lord was in the king have no need to pay Jerusalem. We fi nd the basis for contributions cheerfully and Capernaum, the city that hosted him taxes, because they are his this text in Exodus 30:13, which gladly, expecting that payment Him during much of His earthly children. But before you think states, “And this is what they will give them release from ministry, residing in one of the this means we don’t have to pay shall give, as many as pass the slavery or healing of diseases houses along with His disciples. taxes, listen to our Lord’s words survey, half a didrachm which and the enjoyment of liberty St. Peter, however, was outside and the beautiful miracle He is according to the didrachm fully secured and also complete this house when certain tax performed. He said to Peter, of the sanctuary…but the half preservation from danger collectors came and asked him of the didrachm is the off ering (Special Laws 1:77). whether our Lord paid something Nevertheless, lest we off end to the Lord” and Nehemiah called the “temple tax.” Peter them, go to the sea, cast in a 10:32, which states, “And we As we can see, therefore, the responded, “Yes,” and entered hook, and take the fi sh that will impose ordinances upon ancient Jews took this obligation the house where our Lord was comes up fi rst. And when you ourselves, to levy on ourselves quite seriously and understood staying, but before he could say have opened its mouth, you will the third part of a didrachm they would receive all of these anything, our Lord, Who knows fi nd a piece of money; take that yearly for the service of the blessings from paying the all things, anticipated him and and give it to them for Me and house of our God…” temple tax. asked, “What do you think, you (Mt 17:27). Simon? From whom do the The Jews took the obligation This discussion of the temple kings of the earth take customs There are many beautiful lessons of this tax quite seriously. The tax of course reminds us of the or taxes, from their sons or from in this Gospel passage, but I ancient Roman Jewish historian importance of a similar practice strangers?” (Mt 17:25). In other propose we focus on only three Flavius Josephus (c. 37-100) in the Holy Scripture, a practice words, would a king demand aspects. recorded that even when the we know as tithing, or the off ering taxes from his own sons and The Tax Jews were captives and slaves unto God of 10% of whatever daughters, or would he collect First, let us understand the tax in Babylon, they organized a we receive from Him. We fi nd them from his other subjects, that was requested of our Lord system to collect this temple the practice of tithing as early the strangers? Peter responded and its signifi cance. The Gospel tax, because it was so important as Genesis 14 when that the king would collect taxes calls this simply the “temple to them. Philo of Alexandria, off ered a tithe to Melchizedek from strangers, not from his own tax” and does not indicate what another fi rst century Jewish and also throughout the Law of children. Our Lord Jesus Christ this tax was for, but most likely, fi gure, described the importance . In fact, towards the end agreed with him and said, “Then it was a half-shekel tax that of paying this tax when he wrote, of the Old Testament, we read in the sons are free,” or to put it every Jew paid annually for the Book of 3 that to fail to in another way, the children of maintenance of the Temple at The donors bring their off er the tithe was to rob God. Published by the Diocese of Sydney & its Affi liated Regions 9 7th January 2020 ON THE REMEMBRANCE OF DEATH Fr. Moses Samaan We see here that our Lord unquenchable fi re and the fear of God grows in our hearts passage from the writings Jesus Christ was mindful of undying worm. By this means minds and hearts, and gives of the Russian saint, Ignaty His upcoming death, and as Pachomius kept himself from light to our conduct. Brianchaninov, who describes a result, He lived His life with evil and roused to the better.4 a person who practices the purpose. Everything He did Second, the remembrance of remembrance of death in this throughout His earthly ministry The remembrance of death is death helps us develop the right way: was in some way connected to therefore a necessary spiritual relationship with this world. How His death by which He achieved exercise which our Lord Himself often do we live in a manner that He is constantly occupied with our salvation and granted us that practiced and which is found in prioritizes worldly things over wondering what will justify him we might share in His victory the Holy Scripture and teachings spiritual things? Too often, we are at Christ’s terrible judgment and over sin, the devil, and death. of the Holy Fathers. so concerned with accumulating what his sentence will be. This Christ, therefore, is the pure and perfect example of the practice of the remembrance of death, because He modeled it for us in His pure life.

The remembrance of death is also found elsewhere in the Holy Scripture. For example, in the Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach, we read the following wisdom: “In all you do, remember the end of your life, and then you will never sin” (7:36). The Holy Prophet-King also spoke of the remembrance of death in his famous psalm of repentance, Psalm 50, when he sang, “For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me” (50:3).

The Holy Fathers of the Church likewise teach us to practice the remembrance of death continually. Our beloved intercessor, St. Gregory the Theologian, asks, “Do we make life a meditation of death?” 1 wealth and possessions or sentence decides a person’s Abba of Shiheet (4th c.) The Benefi ts of the simply just enjoying life in this fate for the whole of eternity. counsels us to “Keep death Remembrance of Death world without any care for eternal No earthly beauty, no earthly before your eyes daily, and be What are the benefi ts of life. Practicing the remembrance pleasure draws his attention or concerned about how you leave practicing the remembrance of of death keeps us grounded and his love. He condemns no one, this body, pass the powers of death? There are many, but let reminds us of the supremacy for he remembers that at the darkness that will meet you in the us consider only a few. of the spiritual life over all of judgment of God such judgment air.”2 Abba the Syrian, the the cares and pleasures of this will be passed on him as he great seventh century spiritual First, the remembrance of death world. passed here on his neighbors. master, exhorts us, “Prepare combats sin as mentioned in He forgives everyone and your heart for your departure. the passage from Sirach, “In Third, the remembrance of everything. that he may himself If you are wise, you will expect all you do, remember the end death helps us cultivate loving obtain forgiveness and inherit it every hour.”3 Of course, the of your life, and then you will relationships with one another. salvation. He is indulgent with Holy Fathers did not only teach never sin.” The Russian saint, When we are mindful of death, all all, he is merciful in everything, us to practice the remembrance Ignaty Brianchaninov, called the of the petty off enses and insults that indulgence and mercy may of death, but they also modeled remembrance of death “a bitter that breed division and hatred in be shown to him. He welcomes it for us in their own lives. Abba medicine against [] sinfulness.” our hearts for one another will and embraces with joy every Wesa, the of Abba A person who is mindful of come to an end. Remembering trouble or trial that comes to him Pachomius the Great, said this death will continually think, “If the words of the Holy Fathers, as a toll for his sins in time which about his master: today or tomorrow is my last day “Your brother is your life,” we will frees him from paying toll in in this world, then what should be more reluctant to allow any eternity. If the thought comes to [He] maintained himself I do right now?” We oftentimes issues with our brethren come him to be proud of his virtue, at constantly in the fear of God fall into sin because we have in the way of our salvation and once the remembrance of death with the remembrance of the forgotten God and the reality eternal life. rushes against this thought, eternal torments and pains of eternal life preceded by a puts it to shame, exposes the which have no end—that is, judgment, but when we practice All of these benefi ts are nonsense and drives it away.5 with the remembrance of the the remembrance of death, the summarized in this beautiful 10 [email protected]