"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
— Matthew 25:40
Faith, Service, and Spiritual Formation
My formal spiritual journey began at Albert Park Baptist Church, where I found solace, community, and a deep connection to God. I was baptised voluntarily in 2005—a moment that solidified my personal commitment to a life of faith. Later, under the guidance of The Very Reverend Father Cary Mansell, I served as an assistant sacristan in the Anglican Church, gaining firsthand experience of the liturgical and pastoral rhythms of ministry.
I became increasingly passionate about youth development, volunteering in the Albert Park Baptist youth program. Through these sessions, I mentored young people in theology, philosophy, and the transformative power of a Christian worldview. One of the most meaningful moments came when I supported a previously expelled student to regain his academic footing and eventually transition to university.
Pastoral Care Through Sport
My belief in service also extended beyond church walls. I volunteered every Friday night at Helping Hoops North Melbourne, using basketball to connect with and uplift refugee youth. I also ran free personal training workshops on Saturday mornings at Praxis Athletic and Moran Reserve in Elwood. These community sessions grew to include over 15 regular participants and reflected my belief that fitness, structure, and connection should be accessible to everyone.
Theology, Orthodoxy & Spiritual Study
My spiritual path eventually led me to the Orthodox Church, where I was received through Chrismation in the Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, under the guidance of Father Kyrillos, a trained pharmacist turned priest. This step marked a deepening of my faith and a new chapter in theological exploration.
I’ve continued this journey through regular philosophy and theology fellowships, which have helped shape my understanding of pastoral care, moral reasoning, and the human condition through a Christian lens.
A Journey Through Christian Traditions
My experience across Christian denominations has given me a multifaceted view of faith. I’ve been involved with:
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Anglicanism (St Michael’s Grammar School)
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Catholicism (Warrnambool Parish & Our Lady Of Mount Carmel, Middle Park)
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Pentecostalism (Monash Christian Church & Urban Praise Ministry)
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Evangelical/Charismatic movements (Bridge Church / Neuma Church)
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Eastern Orthodoxy
Each tradition has shaped me, whether it was the reverence of Anglican liturgy, the sacramental focus of Catholicism, the fire of Pentecostal worship, or the rooted continuity of Orthodoxy. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for both the diversity and unity within the body of Christ and a desire to bridge denominational divides with empathy, dialogue, and a shared love for God.
Interfaith Engagement
I’ve also sought to understand faith beyond Christianity, participating in respectful dialogue and shared experiences with people of other religious traditions. My time with Melbourne’s Somali Muslim community, Jewish communities in Balaclava and Caulfield, and Hare Krishna and Buddhist groups in Albert Park and Mount Waverley provided me with insight into the sacred values, rituals, and philosophies of other worldviews. These encounters enriched my faith and reinforced my belief in the dignity and value of all people, regardless of creed.
Religious Freedom & Human Rights
Religious liberty is a cornerstone of a just society. While I’m a committed Christian, I believe deeply in the right of all individuals to pursue their beliefs freely, without coercion or fear. My advocacy for freedom of conscience and human rights is rooted in that conviction and continues to shape how I engage with others, whether in legal work, community support, or interfaith dialogue.