Establishment of St. George Chaldean Catholic Church
St. George Parish was established on 4 April 2016 by His Excellency Mar Amil Nona, with the first inaugural Mass celebrated on Sunday, 10 April 2016. The first parish priest appointed was Fr. Maher Gorial. Many generous members of our Chaldean community in Melbourne worked tirelessly to prepare the centre, which now serves as a suitable church space providing a spiritual atmosphere for prayer and celebration of the Divine Liturgy, until the games hall is converted into an official church, God willing.
First Phase of Parish Activities in the New Parish
- Formation of a Parish Council composed of 12 members, plus one liaison member from each group to represent them at council meetings.
- Establishment of the Service Group, composed of members who did not secure enough votes for the Parish Council, to participate in parish service.
- St. George Brotherhood for Adults, offering lectures and spiritual reflections.
- Youth Group (English-speaking).
- St. George Adult Choir (Chaldean Mass).
- Youth Choir (English).
- Celebration of the Divine Liturgy in English every Sunday at 6:00 p.m.
- Formation of a coordination committee for Arabic-speaking members to enhance their participation.
- Preparation of a senior care committee to organise activities for the elderly in the church hall.
In the initial phase, baptisms, weddings, and funerals were not conducted until the hall could be officially converted into a church. The process is ongoing to obtain approval from local authorities to change the hall’s usage.
Opening of a New Parish in Melbourne
With the presence of Fr. Emmanuel Khoshaba, Fr. Emmanuel Koryel, and members of Our Lady Guardian of Plants Parish in Melbourne, His Excellency Mar Amil Nona, Archbishop of Australia and New Zealand, announced the opening of a new parish named St. George Chaldean Catholic Church during Mass on Sunday, 4 April 2016. Fr. Maher Gorial was appointed as the parish priest. This announcement was made by episcopal decree in accordance with the Church’s liturgical constitution.
The following areas are under the jurisdiction of the new parish: Craigieburn, Epping, Lalor, Thomastown, South Morang. After the announcement, attendees applauded joyfully, celebrating the great achievement in which all the priests and faithful participated alongside His Excellency Mar Amil Nona.
On the following day (Monday), many parishioners came to the parish center to assist in arranging and preparing the new parish facility. Members of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Brotherhood also volunteered to help clean and organize the halls in preparation for the first Mass on Sunday, 11 April 2016.
Community Contributions
Over the past days, some parishioners personally purchased essential supplies, while many professionals—including electricians, painters, builders, and engineers—volunteered their services to prepare the center, transforming it into a functional church and parish activity center.
His Excellency Mar Amil Nona expressed his deep gratitude to the priests who supported the establishment of the new parish and to the faithful who generously contributed from the very first day.
We thank Lord Jesus Christ for granting everyone the grace of love and cooperation to serve the faithful and His holy Church.