St Markorious Coptic School Building Fund (Rhodes)

St Markorious Coptic School Building Fund (Rhodes) is a nonprofit organization established to support the Coptic Orthodox community in Rhodes, New South Wales, Australia. Registered under the Australian Business Number (ABN) 17724241788RR0001, the fund is closely associated with the St Mary & St Merkorious Coptic Orthodox Church and aims to serve the spiritual and educational needs of its congregation.

Overview and Activities

The primary purpose of the St Markorious Coptic School Building Fund is to provide and maintain a dedicated multi-room Sunday School building that facilitates religious education, community gatherings, and worship within the Coptic Orthodox faith tradition. This facility not only serves as a place for learning and preaching the Word of God but also functions as a hall for community events and fellowship activities, reinforcing the social and spiritual bonds of the local Coptic community[1][2].

Community Role and Partnerships

The fund plays a pivotal role in supporting the activities of the St Mary & St Merkorious Coptic Orthodox Church, which has a longstanding presence in the area since its establishment in 1987. The church community and the building fund collaborate to offer worship services, educational programs, and community support initiatives, thereby fostering a cohesive environment for worshipers and their families[1][4].

The church and affiliated organizations have developed partnerships to extend their outreach, including food relief and community meals programs. These initiatives provide essential services, such as nutritious meals and fellowship opportunities, particularly targeting vulnerable groups including the homeless in the Rhodes area[3]. The church's facilities, supported by the building fund, enable these community services, which encompass spiritual care, hygiene support, and social connection.

Religious Significance

As part of the Diocese of Sydney & Affiliated Regions under the guidance of HG Bishop Daniel, the St Markorious Coptic School Building Fund supports the mission of the Coptic Orthodox Church in maintaining and nurturing the faith of its members. The fund’s infrastructure underpins religious education and communal worship, which are central to the church's religious and cultural activities[1][5].

Conclusion

The St Markorious Coptic School Building Fund (Rhodes) is a vital nonprofit entity that sustains the physical and functional infrastructure needed for religious education and community cohesion within the local Coptic Orthodox population. Through its support of the St Mary & St Merkorious Coptic Orthodox Church, the fund enables continuous spiritual growth, community support, and cultural preservation for its members in Rhodes, NSW.

Note: This article strictly excludes any direct contact information in compliance with the requester’s instructions.

[1] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/05dd1824-39af-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/05dd1824-39af-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd/documents/7d520ea4-6a7c-ee11-8179-002248935564 [3] https://stmerkorious.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/St-Merkorious-Annual-Report-2022.pdf [4] https://abusefein.org.au/our-history/ [5] https://www.hisvine.com/church/6/st-mary-st-merkorious