News from the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem
The Archbishop of Canterbury arrives on Pilgrimage and Visit
The Archbishop of Canterbury arrived on pilgrimage on January 27th. Here with a small group of clergy and laity, the Archbishop began his pilgrimage in the Galilee.
On Sunday, January 22, the Archbishop, with Bishop Suheil, had Sunday morning service, followed by lunch, at St. Matthew’s in Zababdeh.
The Archbishop is continuing his visit, as he heads to Jericho, Bethlehem and Jerusalem. His visit will include visits with the Religious Heads of Churches, the Council of Churches and the Chief Rabbinate.
On Thursday, February 2, Bishop Suheil will lead an Evensong at the Cathedral of St. George the Martyr, with a small reception held after the service. This will conclude the Archbishop’s time in the land of the Holy One.
A Visit from Bishop Michael
Bishop Michael Lewis, from our sister Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf, visited St. George’s Cathedral on Sunday January 22nd. Bishop Michael preached at the 9:30am Arabic/English Service.
Epiphany Celebrations
Bishop Suheil celebrated Epiphany at the Cathedral of St. George the Martyr with his diocesan clergy and parish family, on January 6th. This was also the 6th year anniversary of the Bishop Suheil’s consecration as Bishop Coadjutor of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. He was installed as Diocesan and the 14th Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem on April 15, 2007. After the service, the Bishop and his clergy shared a celbratory lunch in St. George's Guest House.
On Monday, January 9, the heads of churches and their clergy in Jerusalem gathered at the Orthodox patriarchate to wish his Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III a happy and blessed Christmas.
Bishop's visit to Al-Ahli Hospital, Gaza
Bishop Suheil with Haleem Bashlawi, Diocesan Chief Accountant, and Dr. Hisham Nassar, Diocesan Medical Coordinator, visited The Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza over a two day period on January 17-18th. They met with Mrs. Suhaila Tarazy, Director, and Dr. Maher Iyad, Medical Director of the Al’Ahli Arab Hospital.
The Bishop spent important time with the staff of the hospital, giving encouragement to those who work there. Tuesday morning was spent in the Al’Ahli Hospital Board Meeting. Discussion focused on the future development of the Diagnostic Center, which will be built adjacent to the hospital; and the upgrading of equipment and services. In the afternoon, Bishop Suheil met with the Christian dignitaries of Gaza. Dr. Hisham Nassar, Diocesan Medical Coordinator, visited local hospitals and cardiology doctors to discuss the improvement of services in the area.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
During this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, there are ecumenical celebrations throughout Jerusalem. On Sunday January 22, the 5pm Evening Service was held at the Anglican Cathedral of St. George the Martyr. Bishop Suheil welcomed the large Christian congregation and spoke of our role as peace-makers and advocates of reconciliation. The evening was concluded with a reception of ecumenical fellowship.
Celebrations of the Feast of St. Paul’s
St. Paul’s, Jerusalem
The Feast of St. Paul was celebrated at the Anglican Church of St. Paul’s in West Jerusalem on January 25th with a Holy Communion Service.
St. Paul's is known to be the first Arab-Anglican church in the region. The church was built in 1873 with the support of the Church Missionary Society of England (CMS) during the episcopacy of the Rt. Revd Samuel Gobat. The church was consecrated on November 29, 1874. It is a beautiful stone building set in lovely grounds with a view of the Old City.
St. Paul’s Shefa’mer
Bishop Suheil, with Canon Hosam Naoum, went to St. Paul’s, Shefa’mer to celebrate The Feast of St. Paul’s with Fr. Fuad Dagher and his congregation. Bishop Suheil celebrated Holy Communion and preached about Paul’s conversion. It was a blessing to have members of the community - the Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox and the Greek Catholic clergy from Shefa’mer, and also the Sisters of Nazareth - come and celebrate with St. Paul’s Anglican Church.
St. Paul’s Ashrafireh, Amman, Jordan
St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Ashrafireh, celebrated the Feast of St. Paul’s with a bible study on the life of St. Paul. The Revd Canon Fa’eq Haddad spoke about how important Paul’s conversion to Christianity was to the world and the impact of his message to the church through his writings.
Read more on these stories and other news from Jerusalem.
