Ordination of Fr Jacob Benyamin to the Holy Priesthood
“And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” - Jeremiah 3:15
With profound thanksgiving to our Gracious Lord, and with hearts filled with great joy, our Parish gives thanks for the blessed Ordination of Fr Jacob Benyamin to the Holy Priesthood, which took place on Saturday 19 September 2026.
This blessed and historic occasion was graced by the presence and prayers of His Grace Bishop Rewis - Papal Legate of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne, and His Grace Bishop Daniel - Bishop & Abbot of St Shenouda Monastery, NSW, together with the beloved fathers the Clergy from across the Diocese of Melbourne.
The ordination of Fr Jacob marks a moment of profound significance in the life and history of our parish. It is a day for which our congregation has prayed for, placing its hope and trust in the divine and perfect timing of God. On this blessed day, we witnessed once again the faithfulness of the Lord and His continuing provision for His children.
The Divine Liturgy and Rite of Ordination were marked by deep reverence, thanksgiving and spiritual joy. It was an occasion in which the congregation was united in prayer and praise, giving glory to God for His divine work and for the grace bestowed upon His Church through the gift of the Holy Priesthood.
Following the Divine Liturgy & Ordination, their Grace’s, the Clergy, Fr Jacob’s family and the congregation gathered together for a Celebratory Lunch, continuing the joy of the day in a spirit of fellowship, thanksgiving and unity. It was a fitting conclusion to this blessed occasion, allowing our parish family to rejoice together and share in the happiness of this significant moment in the life of St Mark’s Church.
Fr Jacob has grown within the life of St Mark’s and has long been known, loved and embraced by our parish family. His ordination therefore carries a particular significance for our congregation. It represents not only the commencement of his priestly ministry, but the beginning of a new chapter in the spiritual and pastoral life of our parish, as we receive a new father and shepherd called to serve the people of God with humility, faithfulness and sacrificial love.
We offer our profound gratitude to His Grace Bishop Rewis for his fatherly care, wisdom, guidance and prayers throughout this journey. His Grace’s shepherding and steadfast support have been a source of great strength and blessing to our parish, and we remain deeply grateful for his paternal care.
We likewise extend our sincere gratitude to His Grace Bishop Daniel, and to all the beloved fathers the Clergy from across the Diocese, whose prayers, presence, encouragement and support have accompanied our parish throughout this blessed journey. Their participation in this occasion was a visible expression of the unity, fellowship and love for our congregation.
Our heartfelt thanks are also extended to every person who attended, supported and prayed for this blessed day. We are deeply grateful for the dignity, reverence and cooperation shown by the congregation, which contributed greatly to the sacred nature and solemnity of the occasion.
We acknowledge with sincere appreciation every servant, volunteer and member of our parish family who laboured tirelessly in preparation for this day. Through countless acts of service, both seen and unseen, every aspect of the occasion was prepared with love, care and devotion. May the Lord, who sees every labour offered in His name, bless and richly reward all those who gave of their time, strength and service for the honour of His Holy Church.
As we reflect upon this blessed and historic occasion, the words of Psalm 118:24 resound within our hearts: “This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Truly, this was a day blessed by God’s providence, filled with thanksgiving, hope and abundant joy. We give thanks that His light continues to shine upon our parish, guiding our steps, strengthening our faith and illuminating this new chapter in the life of St Mark’s. May that same divine light continually accompany Fr Jacob throughout his priesthood, illuminating his path and enabling his ministry to lead many souls into a deeper knowledge and love of Christ.
As Fr Jacob begins this sacred calling, we pray that Christ may grant him wisdom, humility, discernment, strength and an abundance of grace. May the Holy Spirit strengthen him in every aspect of his priestly ministry, preserve him in faithfulness and purity, and make his service fruitful for the salvation and edification of the people entrusted to his care.
We pray also for his beloved wife, Monica, and their daughter, Mira, asking that the Lord surround their family with His peace, protection and grace. May He strengthen them, sustain them and grant them every blessing as they share in the joys, sacrifices and responsibilities of this sacred ministry.
The congregation of St Mark’s enters this new chapter with deep thanksgiving and great joy. We welcome Fr Jacob as our father and shepherd and assure him of our steadfast love, prayers and wholehearted support. We look forward with hope to the years ahead under his pastoral guidance and fatherhood, trusting always in the grace of God who has called him to this sacred service.
May God continue to preserve and bless our beloved Parish, and may His light ever shine upon us as we journey together in faith, unity and love.
