Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II arrived in Australia on Wednesday for his first-ever visit to the country, where he will lay the foundation stone for a new church building, state-news agency MENA reported.
Pope Tawadros flew to Australia from Japan, where he inaugurated the first Coptic Orthodox church in the Asian country.
In Australia, Tawadros will lay the stones for the Diocese of Sydney, which will include three attached buildings with a new church, a Coptic theological college and administration offices.
He will also give a number of masses and meet with Coptic community members.
Tawadros will conclude his pastoral visit to Australia on 13 September.
