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Approximately 30 members of the Casey Multifaith Network participated in a tour to places of worship on Thursday  21st of November 2013. The tour started at 9:30am sharp leaving from the designated meeting place in Berwick.

Casey Multifaith Network visits the Turkish Mosque in Keysborough

The first stop was at the Turkish Mosque in Keysborough. Recently built, the Mosque is a sight to behold. The architecture of this place of worship is magnificent, and the interior has been decorated exquisitely with calligraphy of Quranic verses, painting of the roof around the domes in Turkish art, beautiful traditional woodwork plush carpet used for prayers, and a beautiful chandelier. Our hostess at the Mosque, Nazeera, gave a brief introduction about the basic teachings of Islam. The Imam also answered some questions from the audience. He recited and explained the meanings of certain verses of the Holy Quran painted on the walls. Luke Donnellan, MP for Narre Warren North and Mr. Keith from the City of Casey also joined the group at the Mosque.

On the way to the next place of worship, the tour bus passed by the future site of an Afghan Mosque in Doveton, which has recently raised a lot of controversy in the City of Casey. The bus also drove past the current place of congregation for the Afghan community, clearly showing how a need for a bigger place for worshippers is justified.

Casey Multifaith Network visits St. Pauls Antiochian Orthodox Church in Dandenong (with Father John)

The second stop was the Antiochian Orthodox Church in Dandenong. When the bus reached the Church, Father John welcomed the group and led us inside the main hall of the church. The group admired the photos of the icons before Father John gave a brief discourse on the history of the Church and its establishment in Victoria. He welcomed questions from the audience and answered each question in great detail and shared the depth of his knowledge with everyone. He also chanted a hymn in Byzantine chanting style, which was a unique experience for everyone to hear. Father John graciously offered the group to have their lunch at the church as well.

Casey Multifaith Network visits St. James Anglican Church in Dandenong

The third and last stop was at St. James Anglican Church in Dandenong. The Church is a 149 years old building, with great historic significance in the area. Rev. Jeff Parker, who could not be present, was represented by Rev.  Jordan. He explained that various congregations attend service at this Church in different languages.  Rev also explained the history of the Anglican church and took several questions from the audience. Rev. graciously agreed to chant a hymn for the group. He invited the members to take a closer look at the beautiful stained glass windows.

At each place of worship, Casey Multifaith Network member Mr. Brian Parry presented a brief talk on behalf of the network thanking our hosts, and presented them with an interfaith prayer. The tour ended at 2:45pm. It was truly an inspirational and enlightening tour, where each member of the network had the opportunity to ask questions in order to learn and remove any misconceptions that they may have.

Many thanks to Pam Mamouney OAM for organising the tour and being the official guide.

Naureen Choudhry, Casey Multifaith Network