Australia Coptic Heritage & Community Services (ACHCS) holds Vigil outside St Mary and St Mina’s Coptic Church building at Sydenham

ACHCS held the event on Sunday 6 December 2015, from 4pm to 7.30pm. Approximately 300 people were in attendance. Attendees included; HG Bishop Daniel, clergy, parliamentarians, Coptic community and members of the local Marrickville Council and community.

The event commenced with the National Anthem followed by short performances including a performance by the ARIA winning Tawadros brothers.

The following members of Parliament and councillors addressed attendees at the Vigil:

• Mr Craig Kelly MP, Liberal Federal Member for Hughes;
• Hon. Rev Fred Nile MLC, leader of the Christian Democratic Party;
• Mr Edmond Atalla MP, Labor Member for Mt Druitt;
• Councillor Morris Hanna of Marrickville City Council.

Other speakers include Hanan Ghabour, Paul Sedrak and Peter Tadros.

We will be publishing all photographs and video recordings shortly.

ACHCS would like to thank all those who supported this event. We have been advised that the Church demolition may occur any time from now until January 2016. We are currently seeking legal advice to stop the demolition by way of an Injunction Order. Once an Injunction Order is in place, further legal consultations will occur regarding the legal acquisition of the Church building.

We encourage you to support ACHCS financially, to assist with the legal costs involved in the process, by depositing funds into the account below.

ANZ Bank

BSB: 012257

Acct No: 401981727

Account name:

Australian Coptic Heritage and Community Services Ltd

We will also require contact with engineers, architects, building inspectors, quantity surveyors, builders, electricians, plumbers, painters, roofing professionals and any relevant trades & professions that are willing to provide a service to restore our sacred Coptic birthplace.

We will continue to post updates and will advise you of further events as they occur.