Grand Opening of St Mark's Lions Arena

With great joy and thanksgiving to God, our Parish celebrated a historic occasion on Saturday 25 July 2026, with the official grand opening of St Mark’s Lions Arena, a new community multi-sport court.

The blessed day commenced with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, prayed by His Grace Bishop Rewis, followed by the official grand opening ceremony.

Our Parish was honoured to welcome Ms Lynda Awad, the Liberal Candidate for Northcote. This occasion marked Ms Awad’s first official engagement in her capacity as the Liberal Candidate for Northcote, following the confirmation of her endorsement by the Victorian Liberal Party.

Ms Awad also attended as the representative of Mr Evan Mulholland MP, Liberal Member for the Northern Metropolitan Region, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, and Shadow Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith Affairs.

During the ceremony, a presentation of Coptic Hymns was given and addresses were delivered by His Grace Bishop Rewis, Very Rev Fr Abanoub Attalla and Ms Lynda Awad. Each reflected upon the significance of this historic milestone and the positive contribution that St Mark’s Lions Arena will make to our Parish and the wider community.

Following the speeches, His Grace Bishop Rewis and Ms Lynda Awad unveiled the commemorative plaque and officially cut the ribbon. His Grace then blessed the new sports court with holy water, dedicating the space for the fellowship, recreation and benefit of generations to come.

Throughout the remainder of the day, friendly soccer and basketball matches were held for participants of all ages, bringing together children, youth, families and members of the wider community in a joyful spirit of unity and fellowship.

We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who supported this project through their prayers, donations, time and dedicated service. St Mark’s Lions Arena will provide a much-needed space for recreation, community engagement and fellowship, benefiting our Parish and wider community for generations to come.

May God bless this new facility and all those who make use of it!