St Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church,
Arncliffe NSW Australia
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Friday 13th February 2026
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To Love Fasting
As we enter the holy fast of Coptic Lent, the Church invites us not only to fast from food, but to learn how to love fasting as a way of life. In his book To Love Fasting, Adalbert de Vogue teaches that fasting is not a temporary or seasonal effort, but a continuous transformation of the heart, soul, and mind. When fasting is practiced with humility, patience, prayer, and repentance, it gently purifies our desires and quietens the distractions of the world.
The Fathers teach us that fasting prepares the heart for God: Isaac the Syrian says, “Fasting is the mother of prayer,” and Macarius of Egypt reminds us, “As the body is weakened by fasting, the soul is strengthened.” Likewise, John Climacus teaches that fasting loosens the grip of the passions so the heart may ascend toward God. Over time, fasting moves from effort to joy, and naturally loved, shaping a heart capable of deeper communion with Christ.
In this way, the Coptic fast prepares us for eternal life, helping us begin even now to live with hearts set on heaven rather than on passing comfort of the world.
May we look at fasting with joy knowing that it can lead to a greater knowledge and union with God.
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3. St Mark’s Church Cleaning Day
Saturday 14 February
Come and invite others to clean our beloved church with loving hearts and helping hands.
1 – 5pm on Saturday 14 December.
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3. Spiritual Program during Lent
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1. Liturgies
– Daily – 5.00am – 7.00am
– Daily – 8:30am – 10:30am
– Wednesdays & Fridays – 1.00pm – 3.00pm
– Thursdays – 5.00pm – 7.00pm
2. Vespers & Spiritual Meeting
– Every Saturday evening starting at 7.00pm
– Attended by all church fathers
– Followed by agapi served by the fathers
– The theme is the Lord’s prayer – ‘Our father’
3. Nightly Meetings and activities
A chance to visit the church every night during Lent:
– Monday – Bible Study – Arabic & English
– Tuesday – Tasbeha – English – 8.00pm
– Wednesday – Prayers & hymns meeting – Arabic & English – 7.00pm
– Thursday – Tasbeha – 9pm
– Friday – Youth meeting [English] & Family meeting [Arabic]
4. Daily Sermons
– During the 8:30am liturgy
– Covering one different theme each week.
5. Confessions
– Wednesday nights -7pm,
– Sunday after the mass
– Other times as arranged by church fathers
6. Andil Visitations
The fathers would love to visit and bless your homes with prayers. See details below for how to book a visit.
7. Phone Swap
Lent is a great time to detach from earthly pleasures. See details below regarding phone swap program.
Enjoy the spirituality of the Lent. A blessed Lent to all.
For a detailed timetable of all weekly liturgies and meetings pls click here.
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4. Celebrating the 21 Martyrs of Lybia
Satuday 14 February 2026
Join us as we celebrate the 21 Martyrs of Lybia during this Saturday’s Vespers from 7.00pm – 8.30pm.
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5. Lent 2026
Andeel Visits
To request Andeel visits,
Please select this link to book
Or contact Rebecca: 0450522083
Once requested, one of the servants will be in touch to confirm requested dates and times.
Please pray for this service.
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6. Phone Swap
Lent Detox
It’s that time of year again!
As we begin Lent, we’re encouraging a Phone Swap / Phone Detox as a meaningful way to quiet distractions and create more room for prayer, reflection, and a deeper relationship with God – something that can be embraced at any age.
Lent calls us to grow in self-discipline and refocus our hearts on what truly matters.
Stepping back from phone use can be a powerful and intentional part of the fast.
If you have any questions or would like guidance on how to approach this for you or your kids, please speak with your confession father.
Wishing you a blessed Lent 🙏
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7. God’s Love Meetings
Every Sunday from 11am to 12pm
Studying Examples of the Miracles of the Lord Jesus Christ
See attached schedule (below in Arabic)
Every Thursday during Great Lent from 7pm … Live
Christ the King in the Gospel of Matthew
See attached schedule (below in Arabic)
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8. Church Hall Renovations
God willing, we will commence the next phase of the CornerS➕tone Project with a full Church Hall Renovation.
The renovation will commence Monday 16th February, and expected to take 6 -8 weeks to complete.
During this period, the Hall will not be available for booking and the Sunday High School (Yr9-12) Liturgy will move to the new building under Car Park Chapel.
We ask for your prayers during this exciting phase of our Church development.
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9. HSC Biology Tutoring
Classes are on 7 – 8:30pm every Wednesday at St Mark’s Church.
Please note all the further details in poster.
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10. St Mark’s School of Academic Excellence
Lessons will commence on Friday, 13th February for Kindergarten to Year 9.
The program has a strong NAPLAN focus for Years 3, 5, 7, and 9, while students in other year levels will engage in curriculum-based lessons aligned with their schooling.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with
Simona Said on 0411 773 877 or
Therese Girguis on 0405 006 475.
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11. Women’s Bible Study
By God’s grace, we will be resuming the Women’s Bible Study.
We will be having *Father Elijah to start us off on the Wednesday 18th February.
This study is open to women of all ages and stages of life.
This is an opportunity to be refreshed, encouraged, and nourished through fellowship and God’s Word, as we seek His presence and guidance together.
If there is sufficient interest, babysitting may be provided for those with children, subject to availability. Please reach out to express your interest.
Please pray + circulate. Blessings, and have a lovely day!
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12. St Marks Lions Cup 2026
Get ready!!
Registrations are now opened for St Mark’s Lions Cup. Get a team together and be prepared for a day full of action and competition!
Date: February 21st
Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: James Graham Field, 148 Farr St, Rockdale NSW 2216
Men’s & Women’s teams – open to high school graduates and above!
Register your team now using the QR code or click on this Link.
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13. Obstructing our Neighbours
Dear Congregation,
Particularly during the sacred time of Lent, we kindly ask everyone to be mindful of our neighbours by ensuring their driveways remain unobstructed at all times.
If you realise your vehicle is blocking a driveway, please make it a priority to move it to a more suitable location. This simple act of courtesy helps foster positive relationships with our neighbours and reflects our commitment to being respectful and responsible members of the community.
Unfortunately, we have received increasing concerns from our neighbouring friends about driveways being blocked by St. Mark’s parish members.
As followers of Christ, we are called to show love, respect and consideration to all — our neighbours, our community, and the shared environment we cherish.
Your cooperation in this matter is not only appreciated but essential in upholding the values we strive to live by.
Thank you for your anticipated cooperation, understanding and kindness
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14. St Mark’s Drama Service
NIDA’s Improv & acting – Friday 13 February
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Script writing – Sunday 15 February
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15. Shuttle Bus and Extra Carpark Options
Discover the key pick-up and drop-off points for our convenient Sunday Shuttle Bus service on the map below.
The shuttle runs from 8:30am to 1:00pm every Sunday. For assistance while you’re on the go, call our Shuttle Bus team on 0449 855 000.
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Catch up on all the details in this short video.
Arncliffe West Infants School Car Park
St Mark’s Church has arranged exclusive Sunday-morning use of the Arncliffe West Infants School car park for our congregation, making your visit easier and more convenient. You’ll find the car park location and a handy map just below.
Please note: the car park gates are locked from 1:00pm each Sunday, so be sure to move your car before then.
Location: Arncliffe West Infants School Car Park, Loftus Street
Capacity: Approximately 50 cars
Distance: Just a 2-minute walk from the church
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Join us in a transformative endeavour to enhance St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church buildings for the benefit of future generations.
Your contribution through Monthly Direct Debits (Tax Deductible) or otherwise is crucial.
To ensure a steady and secure income for these vital projects, we kindly request each member of our congregation to contemplate a monthly pledge to our building fund for the upcoming three years.
Alternatively, we also humbly accept one off donations.
To donate please click here.
. مشروع حجر الزاوية – الكنيسة تحتاج إلى دعمكم
ندعوكم للاشتراك في مبادرة محورية لبناء كنيسة القديس مار مرقس القبطية الارثوذوكسية للأجيال القادمة.
نحتاج الى دعمكم من خلال سحب شهري مباشر من حسابك (خاضع للضرائب). وبينما نسعى لضمان دخل محدد وثابت لهذه المشاريع الضرورية، نطلب من كل فرد من شعب الكنيسة أن يضع في اعتباره الالتزام الشهري تجاه ميزانية البناء للثلاثة سنوات القادمة.
الرابط التالي هو لاستمارة السحب المباشر من البنك
Donate Now
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