Our Clergy - St. Mina & St. Marina Coptic Orthodox Church

Our Priests

Very Reverend

Father Abanoub Attalla

Very Reverend

Father Abanoub Attalla

Father Abanoub, born in Egypt, arrived in Australia in 1973.

After successfully earning a degree in Mathematics, he spent six years working in marketing while also serving the Church. During this time, he was deeply involved in youth and children's ministry, holding an executive position. His work with children and youth was both fulfilling and inspiring, ultimately leading him to pursue the priesthood.

Abouna was ordained a priest on the 28th of March, 1991.

Can you describe some of the most memorable experiences you have had in your ministry?

The late pope Shenouda consecrating the downstairs church and our current Pope Tawadros the Second consecrating the upstairs church.

Are there any specific projects or initiatives you are passionate about?

The current Sunday school building.

Is there a particular verse or quote that resonates with you and your ministry?

I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me – Philippians 4:13 What do you want to convey to your congregation and the community?

We are members of the Body of Christ. When a member suffers, we all suffer.

Phone:0402 491 491
Email:abanouba@gmail.com

BOOK CONFESSION

Reverend

Father Athanasius Attia

Reverend

Father Athanasius Attia

Abouna Athanasius,

Phone:0403 112 455
Email:frathanasius1@gmail.com

BOOK CONFESSION

Very Reverend

Father Timothaos Gabriel

Very Reverend

Father Timothaos Gabriel

Very Reverend (Hegumen) Father Timothaos Kamel Gabriel

Born on 10th November 1942 in Port Said (Egypt) by the name Maurice Kamel Gabriel.

Completed Bachelor of Law at Ain Shams University (Cairo, Egypt) in 1969.

Started the ministry in 1957 in Port Said through the Scout activities and Sunday School till 1969.

He then served in Giza and Old Cairo till 1974.

He then served in St. Mary Church in the Jewellers District in Tanta (Egypt) until his ordination to priesthood.

Ordained as presbyter on 4th February 1977 by the hand of His Grace the late Bishop Anba Youannis, the Bishop of Gharbia, at the Cathedral of St. George in Abul-Naga (Tanta, Egypt) to serve there.

Promoted to hegumen on 16th July 1993 by the hand of His Grace Anba Paula, the Bishop of Tanta, in the Cathedral of St. Paul the Apostle in Tanta (Egypt) to relocate and serve there.

Relocated to Australia to serve in St Mina and St Marina Church (Hallam, Melbourne) till present.

Phone:0439 295 327
Email:frtimothaos@gmail.com

BOOK CONFESSION

Very Reverend

Father Isaac El Antony

Very Reverend

Father Isaac El Antony

Abouna Isaac El Antony

Phone:0447 406 946
Email:copticfilipino@gmail.com

BOOK CONFESSION

Reverend

Father Elijah Fanous

Reverend

Father Elijah Fanous

Abouna Elijah Fanous, born in Egypt, arrived in Australia in November 2001.

He studied Mechanical Engineering and successfully completed a Diploma in Theology.

While working as a mechanical engineer and raising a family with his wife and two sons, Abouna began serving in our church in 2002.

Over the years, he was ordained as a Reader, served as a Sunday School teacher, and later became a Coordinator.

In 2011, Abouna was called to the priesthood and was ordained in 2012.

Can you describe some of the most memorable experiences you have had in your ministry?

Every sacrament within the children of the church is a joyful experience every time. As well as getting new priests in our congregation and welcoming back some members in our church.

Are there any specific projects or initiatives you are passionate about?

Sunday school building project. And inviting members to serve and to be part of our church.

Is there a particular verse or quote that resonates with you and your ministry?

Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.

What message do you want to convey to your congregation and the community?

Our God is a wonderful and mighty God who out of his loving kindness bestowed on me to serve the most wonderful congregation of St Mina & St Marina Coptic Orthodox Church. Praise him and hold onto your faith in him and remember me in your prayers.

Phone:0415 145 983
Email:frelijah@gmail.com

BOOK CONFESSION

Reverend

Father Isaac Wissa

Reverend

Father Isaac Wissa

Father Isaac Wissa was born and raised in Melbourne.

He was raised in the church from his childhood and grew embracing the church's faith and tradition by participating in liturgical services, deacons school and Sunday school.

He attended St Anthony’s Coptic Orthodox College from Prep to year 12, and was elected as school captain in year 12.

In 2010-11, He graduated from year 12 and studied bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) for 3 years at Swinburne University.

He completed two units in Masters in Education and working as a Teachers Aide at Hillcrest Christian College.

He completed and graduated from the University of Divinity with a Masters of Theology, completing a Thesis on the Coptic Funeral Prayers.

He has served at St Mina’s Church since 2010, upon completing the Discipleship course. Served in the Middle school and High School Sunday School services, Deacon's School and discipleship course both in hymns and faith.

God called him to the priesthood through the church fathers in October 2018. His response to God's calling was most surprising but as Abouna recalls 'whatever the Lord needs, do it.

He was ordained at the hands of H.H Pope Tawadros II on the 6th July 2019 at St Bishoy's Monastery in Wadi Natroun and spent the 40 days of retreat at the Baramus Monastery and was received by the congregation on the 16th August 2019.

Can you describe some of the most memorable experiences you have had in your ministry?

The memorable moments Abouna has experienced is seeing the repentant heart in peoples' lives, experiencing the baptisms of children and those entering the faith is a joyful occasion.

Abouna sets his vision on the church being Noah's Ark for all people to be saved. Part of this vision is that the church grounds becomes a comfortable space for all parishioners, young and old to enjoy spending time within this sacred space.

Are there any specific projects or initiatives you are passionate about?

Is there a particular verse or quote that resonates with you and your ministry?

Abouna's message to himself first before all, is 'the bending of the knee' of repentance to change our lives and hearts to attain the Kingdom of God. Furthermore, 'Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?' Romans 8:35

What message do you want to convey to your congregation and the community?

We are called to Love God with all our souls, mind, strength and your heart and your neighbour as yourself.

Phone:0423 106 515
Email:frisaacwissa@gmail.com

BOOK CONFESSION

Reverend

Father Michael Galli

Reverend

Father Michael Galli

Born and raised in Australia, Fr Michael Ghalli spent 24 years working in law enforcement.

He is married and have two beautiful children. Abouna value family, friendship and cooking.

He has always been involved in church services and has always kept God as a central figure in his life, no matter the circumstance. Abouna has a passion for serving others, especially those who are experiencing hardship and those who are vulnerable.

After I finished year 12, Fr Michael studied Business Marketing before completed a Diploma in Theology and later completed a Masters in Pastoral Care.

Abouna got ordained Priest on the 24th February 2024.

Abouna doesn’t believe anyone becomes a priest simply through inspiration—it is a calling. “ I am unworthy of this vocation and I am reminded daily of its weight. I will never feel deserving of the gift of the priesthood, but I thank God for entrusting me with it and for allowing me to serve His people in whatever ways I can.”

Can you describe some of the most memorable experiences you’ve had in your ministry?

“Supporting people in their most vulnerable moments—holding their hand and walking with them on their journey—is a profound privilege. To see them smile again and live a life in Christ is all I could hope for.”

Are there any specific projects or initiatives you are passionate about?

“I am passionate about serving the homeless and underprivileged members of society. I have specifically done this through the Manna4Life service and I am proud to be a part of such a wonderful team who share the same passion.”

Is there a particular verse or quote that resonates with you and your ministry?

Micah 6:8 “He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does the Lord seek from you but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

What message do you want to convey to your congregation and the community?

“My hope for our community is simple: that we grow in gratitude, humility, compassion, and hope. May we recognise God’s blessings each day, reach out with kindness to those in need, and trust that Christ walks with us through every challenge.

May our parish be a place where all feel welcomed, supported, and loved.”