Tuesday, 30 July 2024

Debre Genet St Michael Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church

Luba GRIGOROVITCH (Kororoit) (16:39): It was my pleasure to recently attend the annual Ethiopian St Michael church community celebration alongside my good friend the member for Laverton Sarah Connolly. It was a wonderful community event. For those of you who do not know, St Michael church is located in Ravenhall and has for a long time been a centre of unity and strength for both the community of Kororoit but also the Ethiopian community across Victoria. The celebration was more than just a day on the calendar. It was a celebration of togetherness and the profound impact that the church has on our community.

The day included dancing, singing and of course wonderful food. It was a great display of what St Michael church is really about, and that is nurturing youth, supporting the elderly and fostering community inclusivity. The church offers a variety of activities above and beyond pastoral care, including sports, arts and leadership programs that create a safe and supportive environment for young people to thrive and show their full potential. A notable example of this is the homework support program, which is full every day. It has been greatly beneficial to VCE students in Kororoit, helping them to excel academically and positively influencing the wider community. Additionally, St Michael extends compassion to the elderly and families through weekly home visits, social events and essential services, ensuring that everyone feels valued and connected. I would like to thank Father Fica Hamamichael and everyone involved for bringing this event together. I thank Debre Genet St Michael Ethiopian Orthodox Church.