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St Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church,
Arncliffe NSW Australia

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Friday 5th December 2025

 
be humble
Fr Anthony

Many years ago there was an American President named Harry Truman.

He once said this wise quote:

 

“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”

 

Can you imagine how beautiful, joyful and peaceful our lives would be if we lived by this saying? This saying tells us that we can achieve so much together, as long as we don’t let our egos get in the way. Humility is what is needed.

 

With humility, churches remain strong, families remain strong, friendships remain strong.

 

Our Lord, who is humble, teaches us the path to find rest for our souls when He says “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29)

 

God will give peace and rest to the humble.

 

Challenge for the week: Try and go 1 week without seeking recognition for anything you have done. Be satisfied that the Lord Himself recognises you. As long as you are known in Heaven – be joyful 🙂

 
Nativity3

2. Additonal Masses
during Nativity 
Fast

We’re delighted to share that with the blessings of our priests, St Mark’s Church will hold additional liturgies throughout the Nativity Fast.

Everyone is warmly invited to attend these services, held every Wednesday & Friday from 1:00pm to 2:30pm.

We hope you’ll join us as we gather together in this festive season.

 

3. Kiahk Revision

– Last Sunday this week –

 

Want to learn the hymnssung in the blessed month of Kiahk?

 

Come and join us in the Arabic church on Sunday at 12:30pm for Kiahk revision class.  Everyone is welcome

Kiahk 2025
 

4.  Kiahk Praises

Starting 13 Dec 2025

 

Experience the spiritual beauty of Kiahk Tasbeha every Saturday during the Nativity Fast, beginning on December 13th at 6:30pm and followed with a midnight mass.

We invite you to be part of this uplifting and heavenly celebration every Saturday during the Fast —don’t miss out!

kiahk
 

5.  Pets at Church

 

We understand that pets are cherished members of many families, and it’s heartwarming to see the bond shared between you and your furry friends. However, to ensure a welcoming and comfortable environment for everyone in our congregation—especially those with allergies, sensitivities, or concerns—we kindly ask that you refrain from bringing pets to church.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we strive to make our church a safe and enjoyable space for all.

no pets
 

6.  Upper Room Media Cafe

Coming Soon

With grateful hearts and the blessings of our saints, we’re thrilled to unveil The UPPER ROOM – a Christian Bookshop Café where fellowship and faith come together.

But we can’t do this without you.

Will you join us on this journey?

Sponsor a book,

Contribute to the fitout, or

Support a friend.

Scroll down for more ways to get involved.

Above all, we cherish yourprayers.

UpperRoom Cafe
 

7. Official Welcome

Fr Luke is Back

Joins us as we officially welcome Fr Luke back from his blessed 40 days.

Saturday 20th December 2025 at 5:30pm at St John’s Coptic Orthodox Church.

Fr Luke is Back
 

8.  Christmas Carols

Sunday 14 Dec 2025

 

Join us for the St Mark’s ChristmasCarols at Carss Park. Less than two weeks away!

Christmas Carols 2025
 
acting

9. Acting and musical theatre enthusiasts

Calling all acting and musical theatre enthusiasts for service at St Mark’s Christmas Carols on Sunday 14 December.

Great experience for school and an introduction to the stage!  3-6 (acting) lines only and singing opportunities in a small group or solo! Only 45 min rehearsals after Sunday School.

 

Contact Jacqueline Saad: 0402 622 147

 

10. Parent Seminars

now available on UpperRoom App

Catch up on every Parent Seminar—whenever and wherever you like! Explore the full collection now on the Upper Room Media App.

 

Simply search “UPPER ROOM” in your app store to get started.

PArent Seminars
 

11. Lion’s Den

Men’s Seafood Cookout

 

Calling all men!

 

Come and celebrate the end of the year with a seafood cookout at beautiful Lavender Bay. Come hungry!

 

Book now!

 

Date: Saturday 13th December

Time: 11.00am—4.00pm

Location: Lavender Bay

Free Transport from St Mark’s Church (Leaving 10.00am)

Cost: $25.00

lions den
 

12. Christmas Cookies

 

Please Book your order as soon as possible

 

Let us know what time suits you for pick up.

 

Contact Nancy: 0414 661 031

kahk
 

13. Women’s Summer Conference

 

The Women’s summer conference event is a creative session of Paint& Sip for women of all ages.

 

Time: 5pm

Date: Sat Jan 10

Location: St Johns Coptic Orthodox Church

Theme: in the Valley.

Cost: $60 includes the paint session, take home canvas, coffee and a light meal.

 

Book Here!

Women Conference
 

14. St Mark’s Families Mission Trip

Thank you for the families that have registered to join our families mission trip. We have a few spots left so please register your interest by Monday the 8th of December.

 

This mission trip is an unforgettable chance for your children to see faith in action, grow in gratitude, and strengthen your family’s bond through service.

 

A great way to spend the school holidays with four days of serving together,  shaping your children’s hearts for a lifetime—teaching compassion, gratitude, and humility.

Following the service days, we will spend time together bonding in Fellowship in a luxury 5 star hotel for 3 nights.

 

Register your interest Here

 

“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

mission trip
 

15. St Paul’s Mission

Homeless Service

 

 

Be part of our community— gather with us every Wednesday at 7:30pm at St Pope Kyrillos VI and St Habib Girgis Church.

 

For more information, check out the posters on display!

 

StPaulMission2
StPaulMission1
 

16. St Wanas Charity

Textbook Sale

-Last Week-

This Sunday 7 December will be the last weekend of the High School Textbook sale, with a fresh lot of donations to be made available.

Discover a wide selection of Science and Maths textbooks aligned with the current curriculum, alongside resources for other subjects and cherished older reference books.

We’re excited to share that Father Yacoub is generously donating an incredible assortment of books from his personal collection.

Both brand-new and gently used books will be on offer, all available in exchange for a donation.

Please find us in the fundraising space.

textbooks
 

Parking Guidelines

Parking SMC
 

CORNERStONE Project

 CORNERStONE Project

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

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