| Fr Ray El Fakhry Ordained in a Celebration of Faith and Service |
** “Priesthood begins with Christ’s question, ‘Do you love me?’ and finds
its mission in His command: ‘Feed my sheep.’”— Bishop Antoine-Charbel
Tarabay
|
Fr Ray El Fakhry Ordained in a Celebration of Faith and Service
26/08/2026
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: The Maronite Eparchy of Australia, New Zealand and Oceania celebrated the priestly ordination of Fr Ray El Fakhry on Saturday, 22 August 2026, at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Church in Melbourne.
His Excellency Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay presided over the solemn liturgy, assisted by parish priest Fr Richard Jabbour and Fr Elie Yamine. Hundreds of parishioners joined members of the clergy and Fr El Fakhry’s family for the joyful occasion.
** In his homily, Bishop Tarabay reflected on Christ’s encounter with St Peter, emphasising that priesthood is founded not on human perfection but on divine love, mercy and service. He described Christ’s words—“Do you love me?” and “Feed my sheep”—as the heart of every priestly vocation.
The Bishop also recalled Fr El Fakhry’s remarkable journey from his childhood in Lebanon and deep attachment to the Maronite liturgical tradition to more than 20 years of service in the Australian Army. His career included engineering, leadership, overseas deployments and chaplaincy.
Special tribute was paid to Fr El Fakhry’s wife, Eleanor, their daughters Esther, Teresia, Miriam and Celine, and the wider family and parish community whose support helped nurture his vocation.
** ** Fr El Fakhry said his calling was shaped by family prayer, Lebanese monastic spirituality and his profound experience of God’s providence during his daughter’s premature birth.
He pledged to remain “good at the basics” by celebrating the Divine Liturgy reverently, administering the sacraments, hearing confessions and faithfully accompanying parishioners.
The celebration concluded with the community warmly welcoming Fr El Fakhry into his new ministry, entrusted to the protection of Our Lady and the intercession of his chosen patron, Saint Nohra. |
 Fr Yamine, Bishop.jpg)
