Historical information

These photographs, taken by The Advocate in 1994, feature Father Thomas Abdelmalek in his new St. George Coptic Orthodox Church located at 77 - 79 Henry Street, St. Albans.

The property comprising of a former trailer factory, adjoining land, and a house was purchased in 1993 for the establishment of the church. The site underwent extensive renovations, much of which was undertaken by volunteers from the congregation.

The church's founding priest, Fr. Thomas Abdelmalek, arrived in Australia on 29 May 1993, marking the beginning of a new phase for the parish.

Significance

St. George Coptic Orthodox Church at 77 - 79 Henry Street, St Albans is one of the most significant centres of the Coptic Orthodox community in Melbourne's West.

The church emerged as Egyptian migration to Victoria increased and the local Coptic population required its own place of worship and community gathering.

Physical description

Collection of digitally scanned colour negatives

Inscriptions & markings

7630.01 - Fr. Thomas Abdemalek St. George Coptic Orthodox Church 79 Henry Street St. Albans 1994 Photographs (Advocate 385.2).JPG

7630.02 - Fr. Thomas Abdemalek St. George Coptic Orthodox Church 79 Henry Street St. Albans 1994 Photographs (Advocate 385.2).JPG