Jerusalem
and the Middle East
Church Association

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Editorial
Chairman's & Treasurer's notes

News

Highlighting:

The Diocese of Jerusalem

Introduction:

The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, a diocese of the worldwide Anglican Communion, extends over five countries: Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine and Israel. It is within the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East. There are 27 parishes that minister to the needs of their communities, centred on the Cathedral Church of St. George the Martyr in Jerusalem. The church supports 33 institutions, which include hospitals, clinics, kindergartens and schools, vocational training programs, as well as institutions for the deaf, the disabled and the elderly, reaching out to interfaith neighbours in mutual respect and cooperation.

The church in Zarka, Jordan rededicated.

Sunday April 11th was an important landmark in the life of Savior Church, Zarka. The Bishop re-dedicated the newly renovated church. It was a great occasion and the Bishop confirmed eight young candidates from the congregation. They are an important sign of the next phase in the life of a growing congregation and Christian presence in Zarka. The church, which was founded in 1950 and met in what has become the Aloudi Club. In 1960, the church moved to the current building which was showing its age before the renovations. Currently, the church serves 50 families with a total of 191 in the congregation. The activities range from Women’s meetings, Youth and Sunday School to a successful New Parents Group where 26 couples attend.

From the first week in May, Deacon Fursan Zomot will be the serving minister in Zarka and will seek to continue and develop the work already started in this area.

Princess Basma Centre for Disabled Children hosts Bishop Chapman of Ottawa

On 12th. April, Mrs. Betty Majaj, Director of the Princess Basma Centre for Disabled Children in Jerusalem, welcomed Bishop Chapman of Ottawa on his first visit to the Diocese. The bishop was exploring the possibility of establishing a Companion Relationship with the Diocese of Jerusalem.

Mrs. Majaj provided a full tour of the facilities, explaining the importance of empowerment of women and people with disabilities in this region. The Princess Basma Centre excels at both.

For young children with disabilities, the Basma Centre runs a specialized training program for mothers and children. As the child receives early intervention, the mother resides at the Centre for up to two months learning how to be the physical therapist for her child so as to provide ongoing assistance and maximum development for the child.

When it became apparent that these children were left out of normal education opportunities, the Basma Centre started a school, mainstreaming children with various disabilities with other neighborhood children. Having earned a reputation for excellence in rehabilitation, the Basma Centre School began to win over those reluctant parents who were afraid of the effect of mainstreaming disabled children with their able-bodied children. The school is proud of its 700 students and the first 12th grade graduation will take place around the time this magazine is circulated.

The Bishop of Ottawa with Mrs Majaj and Bishop Suheil’s chaplain, Canon Bob Edmunds, in the background