Coptic Orphans Celebrates 20 Years, Australian Style

Australian Parliamentarian, Pastor Commends Coptic Orphans, Sponsors Child

An enthusiastic discussion at the 20th anniversary dinner

Coptic Orphans Australia celebrated two decades of changing lives for children in Egypt with a 20 th Anniversary dinner in Australia on November 2 nd in Sydney. Special guest, The Rev. Hon. Fred Nile, an Australian parliamentarian and pastor, commended Coptic Orphans for its work in Egypt and added his own support by sponsoring a child.

Nile has been very involved with the Coptic community over his career, and was honored to have met His Holiness Pope Shenouda some time ago.

Nile says that he is thrilled that the child he will sponsor comes from the center of Egypt, the place spoken of in the Bible when it says that “In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt ” (Isaiah 19:19a) and one of the sites where the Holy Family is reputed to have sojourned.

Coptic Orphans Australia director Elizabeth Hanna (left) with the Rev. Hon. Fred Nile

The dinner was the first time that supporters in Australia came together to celebrate the success of Coptic Orphans’ work over the last 20 years. Supporters contributed to a silent auction at the event, and gave generously for the cause in Egypt. The Coptic Orphans team in Australia is moved and grateful for the increasing support of its donors. The proceeds will help brighten the futures of many children in Egypt.

The event raised nearly $4,000 from the 50 participants, which will greatly enhance the programs in which Egyptian children participate.

See a Picasa gallery of more photos from the event

 

Coptic Orphans executive director Nermien Riad speaks about the past two decades of work.