Tranquil new home – Woodend now home to Coptic Christian nuns

Woodend’s historic Campaspe House has become home to the first Coptic Orthodox Monastery for nuns in the southern hemisphere.

The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne purchased the site last year under the auspices of His Grace Bishop Suriel who is the monastery’s bishop and abbot.

This significant milestone was marked with a blessing from His Holiness Pope Tawadros II and His Grace Bishop Suriel who inaugurated the new monastery property in September.

Settling in just four weeks ago, the Archangel Michael Monastery for Nuns and retreat for women has already received a warm welcome from many in the community.

“People have been very welcoming and they have told us they are happy to see the property converted into a monastery,” Mother Antonia said.

“We considered many options but this place has a nice feeling and we could really imagine this becoming a monastery. “It is also a property to share with others who wish to come to visit.”

The tranquil Goldies Lane property is set on 18 acres with beautiful Edna Walling designed gardens. The 1920s house previously offered boutique accommodation.

Mother Antonia and Mother Veronica say the property’s main purpose is to function as a monastery and a place for women to visit, contemplate, and to spend time alone with Christ.

“It’s a place where people can take some time out and think about their life and where they heading. Our focus is to pray, to work on our own spiritual lives, and also pray for the world,” Mother Veronica said.

“People here can now get a sample of monastery life and know that this is something achievable if they desire. It is also to show that there is another aspect to life – a Christian spiritual aspect.”

Mother Antonia and Mother Veronica are from the Monastery of St Demiana in Egypt that is home to about 170 nuns.

The monastery for nuns will complement the monastery for men that has operated in Australia for the past 25 years.

In the near future, Archangel Michael Monastery for Nuns aims to host an open day for people to explore the grounds and gain an understanding of monastery life.