Today 12 September 2023, Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese sent a message to Copts in Australia congratulating them on Nayrouz, the Coptic New Year 1740. Copts mark their Egyptian New Year on 11 September in a simple year and 12 September in a leap year.
The PM’s message read:
“I send my warmest wishes to everyone celebrating Nayrouz, On this day, Copts around Australia honour the martyrs of their faith and the sacrifice they made to protect Christianity. This celebration, and the centuries of tradition it draws upon, resonates with many Copts who have made their home in Australia.
“Today, Australia has one of the world’s largest Coptic diaspora communities, and celebrations like Nayrouz show the warmth and joy you bring to our multicultural country.
“It gives me great pride that the first Coptic Church in Australia – and the first Coptic church outside of Egypt – was established at Sydenham, in my electorate of Grandler.
“It was a great moment for Australia’s Coptic community when Pope Tawadros II visited our shores in 2017. As His Holiness said at the time, ‘We have the power of faith in our hearts’.
“I wish you a happy and prosperous Nayrouz.
“May it bring peace and hope to all.
The Hon Anthony Albanese MP
Prime Minister of Australia
September 2023
Watani International
12 September 2023
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