Abba Suriel, Bishop of Melbourne, said that the story of the first Coptic convent for nuns in Australia began in 1996, when a Coptic girl from Australia longed for the monastic order, but found no Coptic monasteries in Australia. She returned to Egypt and joined the monastery of Saint Demiana and another girl followed her in 2002.
He added that Pope Tawadros returned them back in Australia in 2015 to found the first Coptic convent for nuns which was named Archangel Michael convent for nuns, which is located on an area of 18 acres.
Bishop of Melbourne added that only members of the Coptic society will be allowed to join the convent after strict tests.
