Fr. Jonathan Ishak is a devoted priest serving at St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Arncliffe. He was ordained by HG Bishop Daniel on March 2nd, 2003, marking the beginning of his journey in priesthood.
Before his ordination, Fr. Jonathan held the position of Lecturer of Statistics at UTS, showcasing his diverse background and intellectual capabilities. However, it is his commitment to serving the community that truly defines his calling as a priest.
Fr. Jonathan has a compassionate heart for the elderly members of the congregation. He regularly visits nursing homes and hospitals, accompanied by the church youth, to provide comfort and support to those in need. His dedication to fostering a sense of connection and care within the community is a testament to his kind and nurturing nature.
In addition to his pastoral duties, Fr. Jonathan takes charge of enlightening the church through the spiritual publications available in the Bookshop. By curating a collection of profound and insightful works, he ensures that the congregation has access to resources that deepen their faith and enrich their spiritual journey.
Fr. Jonathan’s commitment to his role as a priest extends beyond the local community. He actively supports the mission of St. Wanas, a charitable organization dedicated to offering hope and a better future for children in need. Through their initiatives, Fr. Jonathan contributes to the well-being of kids with special needs, premature babies requiring incubators, children’s departments in rural hospitals in Egypt, and children with mental needs in both Egypt and Australia. His involvement in multiple countries, including Egypt, Malaysia, Australia, Kenya, and the Solomon Islands, demonstrates his commitment to making a positive impact on a global scale.
Fr. Jonathan also plays an integral role in the St. Mark’s Youth ministry, guiding and nurturing the younger members of the church. Through regular prayer gatherings, Bible studies, and engaging talks, he encourages the youth to deepen their understanding of their faith and embrace their spiritual growth. With Fr. Jonathan Ishak’s leadership and unwavering dedication, St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church is a beacon of faith, compassion, and service. His presence brings warmth and guidance to the congregation, inspiring them to live out their faith and make a difference in the lives of others.
Professor Amany Zekry, a clinical academic at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and director of Gastroenterology and Hepatology services at St George Hospital UNSW, is driven by a passion for improving healthcare for marginalized populations, particularly non-English speaking communities.
With a focus on equitable access to healthcare, Professor Zekry has spearheaded educational and collaborative initiatives in partnership with Primary Health Networks, general practitioners, and community representatives. These initiatives aim to develop community-based models of care, addressing disparities in viral hepatitis treatment, liver cancer prevention, and clinical variations.
Professor Zekry’s dedication and innovative approaches have earned her national recognition, receiving multiple awards for the impact and effectiveness of her initiatives. In 2018, she was honoured with the NSW Top 50 Public Sector Women Award, acknowledging her exceptional leadership and transformative contributions to her community. Professor Zekry’s involvement with St. Wanas reflects her commitment to serving the community. She considers it a privilege to be part of St. Wanas and its mission, enabling her to extend her passion for community service and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. Professor Amany Zekry embodies the values of equitable healthcare and compassionate leadership, dedicated to transforming communities for the better.
Mina is a highly accomplished professional who has achieved academic excellence and made significant contributions to the legal field. He completed a double degree in Commerce and Law at the University of Sydney and was admitted as a Solicitor in the Supreme Court of New South Wales on 14 December 2001.
Throughout his career, Mina has gained valuable experience by practicing at several prestigious corporate law firms in Sydney, including Clayton Utz and Mallesons, as well as renowned Magic Circle Firms in the UK, such as Slaughter & May and Freshfields. His work at these firms has exposed him to various areas of law.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mina has also dedicated his time and expertise to teaching. He has taken on temporary roles with the University of Sydney, where he taught Accounting, and the Australian Catholic University, where he taught Law. His passion for education and sharing knowledge has allowed him to contribute to the development of future professionals in his field.
Beyond his legal career and teaching endeavours, Mina has also been actively involved with St. Wanas, a charity dedicated to supporting children in need. Through his work with the charity, Mina has made a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children, providing them with the necessary support and care they deserve.
Mina’s extensive legal knowledge, combined with his dedication to education and commitment to charitable causes, reflects his well-rounded character and deep-rooted desire to make a difference in the lives of others. He continues to inspire and contribute to his profession and the community at large.
