Melkite Catholic Eparchy of Australia, New Zealand and All Oceania

26/08/2026

Today, we celebrate the Feast of St Mariam Baouardy (St Mary of Jesus Crucified), a beloved daughter of the Melkite Catholic Church.

Born in I’billin in Galilee in 1846, St Mariam was a Discalced Carmelite nun, mystic and stigmatist, known for her extraordinary mystical gifts, her profound humility and her deep devotion to the Holy Spirit.

Despite a life marked by great suffering, her faith remained steadfast and her heart completely surrendered to God. Her remarkable spiritual life included ecstasies, the stigmata and other mystical gifts, yet she humbly referred to herself simply as “the little nothing.”

On her feast day, we pray in the words of St Mariam herself, written in 1869:

Mariam Baouardy’s Own Prayer

Holy Spirit, inspire me.
Love of God, consume me.
To the right path lead me.
Mary my mother, look down upon me.
With Jesus, bless me.
From all evil, all illusion, all danger, preserve me.

Through the intercession of St Mariam Baouardy, may the Holy Spirit guide our hearts, strengthen our faith and lead us ever closer to Christ.

St Mariam Baouardy, Lily of Palestine, pray for us.

02/08/2026

On Tuesday, 11 August 2026, Australia will conduct the national Census.

To ensure the Melkite Catholic Church is accurately represented, all Melkite Catholics are encouraged to answer the religion question by selecting “Other (specify)” and writing “Melkite Catholic”, as shown in the image.

Please do not select the generic “Catholic” option, as this records Melkite Catholics together with the Roman Catholic Church. Recording “Melkite Catholic” helps ensure the Australian Census accurately reflects the size and presence of our Church.

Please share this notice with family and friends throughout the Melkite Catholic community.

31/07/2026

During his recent trip to Lebanon, His Grace Bishop Robert Rabbat made a visit to the tomb of the newly beatified Blessed Fr. Bechara Abou Mrad, BSO, at Deir El-Moukhalles in Joun.

Bishop Rabbat offered prayers of thanksgiving for the gift of Blessed Fr. Bechara to the Melkite Church and the Universal Church, while entrusting Lebanon, the wider region, and all those suffering to his intercession.

The visit also provided an opportunity for Bishop Rabbat to meet with the Superior General of the Melkite Basilian Salvatorian Order, the Right Rev. Fr. Antoine Rizk, BSO, to congratulate the Order on this historic blessing and to learn more about the preparations for the upcoming celebrations of the Beatification.

The first photo shows Bishop Rabbat praying at the tomb of Blessed Fr. Bechara Abou Mrad. The second photo shows Bishop Rabbat with the Right Rev. Fr. Antoine Rizk, BSO, Superior General of the Melkite Basilian Salvatorian Order.

Blessed Fr. Bechara Abou Mrad, pray for us.

02/07/2026

10/06/2026

Please help if you can.

09/05/2026

15/04/2026

Our Eparchy, with the support of the Melkite Charitable Foundation, will host a Fundraising Feast for Lebanon — a meal that makes a difference.

Join us on Wednesday, 29 April, at 1pm inside the hall of St John The Beloved Melkite Catholic Church in Greenacre, as we come together to support displaced Christian families in Lebanon. Every plate served brings real hope to those in need.

Tickets by donation. Call to reserve your seat.

The Catholic Weekly

12/04/2026

With the ongoing war in Lebanon, this video was filmed in Rabweh at the Patriarchate of the Melkite Catholic Church, where many displaced families from the Archdiocese of Tyre have found refuge.

In these difficult days, it has become a place of dignity and solidarity, where the Church continues to stand beside those who have been forced to leave their homes.

If you are able to give, please consider supporting our Emergency Appeal for Lebanon:
https://shorturl.at/IDDJ9

Donations are tax deductible.

09/04/2026

Fr Richard Pharaon, a young priest serving in the Melkite Catholic Eparchy of Tyre in Southern Lebanon, has been entrusted with coordinating support for countless displaced families who have fled their homes due to the current war. In the midst of this crisis, he continues to lead with faith, compassion and tireless service.

Fr Richard extends his heartfelt gratitude for the support raised through our Emergency Appeal for Lebanon, as he continues to provide essential aid and care to those in urgent need.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far. For those who have yet to donate and are in a position to do so, your support can still make a real difference. All donations are tax-deductible.

If you are able to give or share, please support this urgent appeal by clicking here:
https://shorturl.at/IDDJ9

01/04/2026

Pastoral Letter for Easter, Holy and Glorious Pascha 2026.