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On Thursday 19th July,  46 people enjoyed a tour to three Places of Worship. The group were members of the Casey Multi-faith Network, a Probus Club, Casey U3A (University of the Third Age) and other members of the public.

This tour replaced the regular monthly meeting of Casey Multi-faith Network. We left the Latter Day Saints car park at 9:30am and returned by 3pm. Some of the group toured the Latter Day Saints Church before the bus left.

Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs

The first stop was the imposing Shri Shiva Vishnu Hindu Temple in Carrum Downs. People were amazed at the rich variety of colours, sights and sounds in this very large, beautiful building.

The second stop was to the Sikh Gurdwara in Keysborough where Mr Gurdarshan Singh Gill was our host. Again the group was asked to remove their shoes which proved difficult for some of the elderly people. As well they were asked to cover their heads as a mark of respect. This applied to both men and women. Many managed to sit on the floor which is usual in this building. We watched an informative DVD and watched the everyday coming and going of local worshippers. After question time we were treated to a delicious traditional Indian meal. Hospitality is a key element of Sikh culture and we really enjoyed it.

The last visit was to the breathtaking, magnificent gleaming white Coptic Orthodox Christian Coptic Church in Hallam. Here Father Abanaud and others gave us a warm welcome. We saw another excellent DVD on the Egyptian COPTS and had question time. The highlight was to visit their two chapels filled with a radiant light reflecting off the gold painted icon paintings rich in colour and detail. Again hospitality was extended to us. We enjoyed seeing the traditional clothing of our hosts and to experience such different insights into their cultures.

Our bus driver joined in the tours and lunch. We are so grateful to the leaders who gave us their time and showed us hospitality. Everyone enjoyed the day immensely and are aware the tours are made possible through the generous grant from Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship (OMAC).

These tours help to create understanding and appreciation of our diverse cultures and faiths in this great city of Melbourne.

Pam Mamouney
President of Casey Multifaith Network