The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem 2016... · Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem 1 Newsletter Easter 2016 Easter 2016, Newsletter My dear ... poor and the needy and every Christmas we

Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem 1 Newsletter Easter 2016

My dear friends in Christ, Easter Day is truly the day the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The resurrection of Jesus Christ is immense. It startled Jesus’ followers and changed the nature of how we as humanity understand the creativity of God, recognising that God is capable of vanquishing death and bringing new life. Those early disciples experienced something so new that they had no option in their mind but to spread the news of Jesus’s resurrection throughout the world. They realized that death was not the end; that the world did not finish at Good Friday. At this time, when many in the world and in this Holy Land are struggling in the face of violence, loss and immense suffering, the message of Easter compels us in confidence to speak and act in hope when humanity feels hopeless; in peace when people act in violence; love when a community appears dominated by hatred and paranoia. Easter inspires us to be agents of God’s peace and love in this world and in this region. The Christians in the Holy Land make up a tiny minority; yet through loving their neighbour we as a community bring, I believe, the most important message of peace and love to this place. The Christians are like that mustard seed which Jesus spoke of “which, when sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” May God inspire you all this Eastertide, bringing peace to your hearts so that you may be His agents to spread His peace throughout this land and the world. Grace and Peace + Suheil Dawani, Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem

The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

Easter 2016, Newsletter


ORDINATION SERMON

“Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. Moreover, it

is required of stewards that they should be found trustworthy.”

(I Cor. 4.1-2)

Our tradition at every synod is to have an annual theme for our ministry in the church throughout the five countries of this Diocese. I have chosen "Sowing and Reaping" as this year’s theme, and today we are sowing new servants in the Church of Christ.

What distinguishes the ministry of this Diocese and the witness of the Church of Jesus in many countries is our shared ministry of both laity and

ordained, side-by-side, each according to his or her talents and energies. We all share the common belief that we are all servants, and we have the responsibility of sowing the good seed and preserving the unity of the Body of Christ, in order to have an abundant and blessed harvest. St. Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus:

“I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you

have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one

another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of

peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your

calling.” (Eph. 4.1-4)

New deacons: Jamil Khader, Fares Naoum and

David Roche

In this issue:

Ordination Sermon by Archbishop Suheil Dawani * News from Arab Alhi Hospital Medical

Missions * Reflections by the new deacons on ministry at Al Fadi, Amman; life in Lebanon, and

the Ordination Retreat * Jerusalem links with Dublin and Glendadough *‘The 1948 Churches’ *

A prayer for the peoples of the region

For more information and more news items in the Diocese please visit our website at:

www.j-diocese.org

For enquiries please contact: [email protected]

http://www.j-diocese.org/

mailto:[email protected]


It is expected of the servant of the Lord to be characterized by spiritual qualities; the foremost of which is humility. The importance of this virtue is inspired from Jesus’ words to his disciples: "Learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in

heart" (Matt. 11.29).

Jesus could have focused on other virtues, but he chose humility and gentleness. Jesus referred to himself as servant when he knelt to wash the feet of his disciples. He said: All ministers are servants of the people and not the other way around, people should not serve us, but we are called and sent to serve. As our Lord Jesus said, "I am among you as one who serves." We are called to be with our congregations accepting everyone without exception. We are to serve everyone, even with some of those who disturb and confuse the ministry, everyone - all people - are the subjects of our mission, our attention, and our love: the poor and needy, spiritually or materially, have priority in our ministry and our love. We are called and sent to help all find hope in their lives and to strengthen their faith. Ministry poses many difficulties and challenges, but we must remember that through the grace of God and the power of his Holy Spirit nothing is impossible.

Ministry, my dear deacons and priests, is a message of stewardship "we sow today so that tomorrow someone else will reap." This is the church of our ancestors who planted goodness and love. If we don’t sow today there will be no harvest in the future. There is a great principle in life where St. Paul says:

"I planted, Apollos watered, but God grows."

We do not deny the existence of differences of opinion among the clergy. This is natural but we have to understand the concerns and thoughts of other people, respecting their different points of view and opinions so that our friendships are not spoiled. I pray that some of the human

attitudes and physical tendencies may not corrupt the ministry of God’s Church, so that clergy may continue to be beacons and be able to continue the ministry of love peace and hope.

Dear Clergy, accept your calling in all seriousness and with much prayer, renew your calling every day, face the challenges of life, resist the boredom and frustration of life, give time to reflect in moments of silence before God, recognize the Lord's presence in your lives and dedicate the necessary time to do so. Let us remember that the humble servant is the one who denies himself, and show Christ, as John the Baptist said:

"He must increase, and I must decrease." (John 3.30)

A humble servant is like a breeze when entering and exiting a room, where no one is conscious of it, it is gentle, kind, and affable. Let us always remember the true essence of our calling and ministry, that is, humility and obedience.

Let us consider together this evening the ministry of Stephen, the first deacon and martyr of the church. He was a deacon and did not obtain a higher rank. Do we measure his ministry to his rank? No, undoubtedly the early church put his name among the Saints’ and measured his ministry in depth. Stephen filled with the Holy Spirit, wisdom, faith and strength, did great wonders and signs among people.

The clergy with the newly ordained deacons


The word of God was increasing and the number of disciples multiplying in Jerusalem – the Jews could not tolerate Stephen’s ministry. Yet it was to be Stephen’s martyrdom that was to serve as the greatest witness of his faith and convey a powerful and lasting message to others. Finally, I can tell you, sisters and brothers, that the ministry of each and every one of us is to plant and sow responsibly, and faithfully because it is a bridge between God and humanity. The church is about the participation in God’s field through the ministry of committed lay and ordained people, but woe to us if the sound of our words is louder than our deeds. Jesus calls us all to be loyal servants and workers in his field participating with him in humility. Ministry is not about power or authority; it is about service. I pray to Almighty God who gave us the privilege of this ministry to be faithful stewards of the New Covenant with all humility and gentleness and love. So be attentive to the people you serve with honesty, holy zeal, praying for each other and make your calling known to all.

Bishop Munib (The Lutheran Bishop) joins the Diocesan clergy for the service and celebrates

the Eucharist with the Archbishop

“Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy

of your master.” (Matthew 25. 23)

The Lord who began the good work in us will complete it in the day of the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to whom be glory now and forever.

Amen The Most Reverend Suheil Dawani Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem

New Ordained Deacon, The Reverend Fares Naoum reflects on The Ministry in Al-Fadi (Holy

Redeemer) Church, Amman

Al-Fadi Church, which is located in Amman, Jordan, is one of the biggest Churches in the Diocese, with around 2500 members. Many of these members live abroad so only attend when they are on holiday in Amman; others live long distances away – one to two hours drive.

The Reverend Canon Faeq Haddad, Priest in charge

The priest in charge of Al-Fadi Church is Rev. Canon Faeq Haddad, with whom I serve. My role as a Deacon is to help Canon Faeq with services and projects in the church and community. Our ministry, as leaders, depends on


mutual prayer, good communication and love of the Scriptures. On Sunday we have Holy Communion in the morning and evening. My role in these services to lead the prayers of the people, to read the Gospel, preach and administer the Chalice.

The week at Al Fadi is always busy and challenging, holding many delights. On Mondays we have “The Golden-Age” which is ministry for the elder members of the community who meet for fellowship, worship and fun! Every two weeks the Sunday school teachers, meet.

Every Tuesday afternoon there is an opportunity to meet the board of the Church. On Wednesdays evenings there is a Bible study which either Canon Faeq or I lead.

The Sunday School meets every Friday morning and the children are divided into four classes. One of my main responsibilities in the church is to lead the children and youth group to see God in their lives and to deepen their faith in Him.

Saturday evening is when the youth gather to worship, pray and study the Bible. There are two groups: teens and undergraduates. Activities and games are part of the youth ministry helping everyone to know each other and to build relationships as one body of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Reverend Fares Naoum

Al Fadi places great importance on helping the poor and the needy and every Christmas we hold a party, the income from which supports poor families. In addition many of our congregation provide clothes for the Iraqi and Syrian refugees. (There are estimated to be between 1-2 million refugees in Jordan.)

The congregation at Holy Redeemer

I thank God for giving me this opportunity to serve at Al-Fadi Church and for all the support I have received from Canon Faeq and the Archbishop.

In Christ, Rev. Deacon Fares Naoum (Fares Naoum, trained at VTS, Virginia, and was ordained deacon in Jerusalem in February 2015)


Arab Ahli Hospital Medical Missions: Reaching Those Who

Are Most in Need In Gaza

Saher Sayeg meets and hears some of the stories of patients at the Diocesan hospital in Gaza Story 1 Ahmad is 24 years and works as a journalist. As a result of his office being shelled during the 2014 war, he fell and broke his leg and suffered many back injuries. After a long journey of physical care, Ahmad realized that he was also emotionally scarred and required help. Ahmad said:

“I cannot forget the horror I felt after that bombardment incident. I have re-lived the

experience every day for many months. It was like a nightmare from which I would never

wake”

A recent photograph of the Arab Alili Hospital showing some shrapnel damage to the hospital

that occurred in2014

He had heard about the Arab Ahli Hospital and how they provide not only medical care but also psychosocial care. The wide spectrum of activities within the community is what helped Ahmad overcome his fears. He was able to share his concerns with the professionals and group

members; the pains and fears that was felt by every person in his group.

“I thank God I am still alive! I am grateful to have been lucky to have the AAH program. Many others have not had the opportunity to deal with their feelings. I know that life is not perfect but at least I feel that I am starting to re-gain self-

confidence and hope again.”

The Archbishop preaches at the chapel at Arab

Ahli hospital in February 2016 Story 2 Myasar is 54 year old woman living in Beit Lahiya area with her four sons and two daughters. The 2014 war on Gaza was a very difficult time. As a result of the shelling her home was severely damaged and her husband was killed.

During the summer, the heat and sun are unbearable and during the rainy season the house fills up with rain water. The biggest challenge with living at home, is that they have no one to relocate to or have any money to fix it themselves. Although her children have finished university they are unemployed and income is very limited for even basic needs.


For several years Myasar has had severe medical problems but her neighbours told her about the Alahli Hospital Free Medical Missions. There she was able to receive medical advice and medication. Maysar says “I feel grateful because the Mission Staff helped me and I feel that I am in good hands, thank God”.

Story 3 My name is Noorhan and I came to the Al Ahli Hospital because one of my relatives told me to visit. Noorhan has no children and no one else to support her; her husband lost his work when the blockade as placed on Gaza. There was heavy bombardment of our area and we lost our house and our health deteriorated. I could not stop crying and there were no clinics or doctors in our area. A relative told me about the Alahli Hospital, so I decided to make a visit, not sure what kind of care I would receive. The Kindness and care I received was beyond my imagination. The doctor examined and talked to

me, and the nurses were very kind.

The Archbishop visits patients with Dr Maher

Ayyad

I did not expect to find such a team in a hospital in Gaza but I found it at the Al Ahli Hospital. They gave me all the medicines I needed and because I

did not have any money they provided free transport, gave me a sandwich and clean

mineral water.

The Archbishop with Suhaila Tarazi, the General Direction of the hospital and Dr Maher Ayyad, the

Medical Director, opens the new Mammogram in the Diagnostics Centre in February 2016

Please remember in your prayers the people of Gaza and the work of the hospital, particularly its patients, Ahmad, Myasar, Noorhan, and all

the other adults and children, and its staff. The Arab Alili Hospital in Gaza is one of the institutions run by the Episcopal Diocese of

Jerusalem

Lebanon Reflections, by Newly Ordained Deacon, The Reverend David Roche

The Lebanese Republic is renowned for its stunning snow-covered mountains and cedar forests. Lebanon’s government is a parliamentary democracy with power distributed equally among its 18 recognized religious sects including Maronite Christians, Shiite and Sunni Muslims, Druze and Greek Orthodox.


Before Lebanon’s civil war began in 1975, it boasted significant financial prosperity and was a popular tourist destination. Since the war recovery has been hampered by additional conflicts, including a recent influx of Syrian refugees.

Archbishop Suheil during a recent visit to

Lebanon with Revd. Imad Zoorob Sadly on the 12th November 2015 two suicide bombing rocked Beirut's southern suburbs, killing 43 people and wounding more than 200 others. The attacks took place in a heavily populated commercial and residential district at rush hour. The blasts brought back fears that the country may be facing a new cycle of suicide attacks, casting a shadow over Lebanon's political ongoing paralysis. Parliament has extended its own mandate twice, with the cabinet unable to agree even on which agenda items to discuss. Aside from this state institutions and public services are creaking under the strain. With more than 1.5 million refugees from neighbouring Syria, electricity and water shortages are the norm. And, as has been publicized, Lebanon has an on-going challenge to sort out its rubbish crisis. Refugees 1.2 million registered Syrians, fleeing the civil war, have crossed into Lebanon. In reality it is

estimated there are 2 million here and over 50% are children. Lebanon has taken in a refugee population equaling nearly one-third of our resident population. This is a figure made all the more astonishing since the population of Lebanon is fewer than 6 million people. This is like the UK taking in 20 million people. They all need housing, schools, medical care and they use water and electricity. The Lebanese government doesn’t allow refugees to settle in large scale camps because of the delicate sectarian balance that would be overwhelmed by an influx of mostly Sunni civilians fleeing the war. The Palestinian refugee camps built in the 1940s and 1950s, after the establishment of the state of Israel, have become permanent settlements and still home to the more than 400,000 Palestinians, who played a key role in the country’s 15-year civil war. For many Syrian refugees living in tents or shacks they would have been vulnerable to snow and freezing temperatures.

The congregation of All Saints’ Church Beirut

Child labour is a fact of life here. Thousands of Syrian children have become farm labourers in vegetable fields and warehouses. The destitution and misery of their displacement prompting them to enter a workforce where they are subject to abuse and exploitation. Many are exposed to pesticides, toxic chemicals, heavy loads and work exhausting hours. If there was no war, these children would be able to receive a good standard of education. Now many are


illiterate and unlikely to see the inside of a classroom again. A generation of children have lost fathers; family and home; have seen communities raised to the ground and are facing a bleak future.

All Saints’ Church Beirut

Nearly half of Syrian refugee families rely partly or entirely on children’s income. Many children are in poor health and suffer from psychological distress. Street children are a visible fixture in Beirut, hawking goods, begging, shining shoes and selling flowers at night to bar customers, risking the occasional beating and frequent verbal abuse. Most sleep rough and some turn to prostitution.

Trash Crisis

In July Lebanon’s main landfill was closed. The landfill was opened in 1997 and was meant to receive only two million tons of rubbish for only a few years until a comprehensive solution was devised. It swelled into a trash mountain of over

15 million tons and local residents finally blocked the roads and refused to allow anymore rubbish to be dumped there. Protesters have marched several times in Beirut to demand that the government find a way to solve the problem. Some local media warn of health dangers e.g. not to eat in restaurants and to avoid eating fresh vegetables. A paper issued by the World Health Organization in September warned that long term exposure would lead to a range of possible health impacts, from respiratory problems, headaches and cancers. At the moment people are burning rubbish in the streets!

The oganisations supported by

All Saints’, Beirut

St Luke’s Centre for children and adults with special needs, A Diocesan project based in Beit Meri, Beirut.

Near East School of Theology, Student Mission on behalf of Assyrian Christian refugees

Dar el Awlad Orphanage (Kids Alive) now with Syrian refugee children's school

Heart for Lebanon humanitarian AID for the poor and Syrian refugees.

Tahaddi: a medical clinic and school serving the poorest of the poor in the Sabra district including Syrian Refugees.

Youth for Christ (Lebanon) discipleship for young people.

Prison Ministry: multi-lingual for domestic workers, currently in 2 women’s prisons

The Reverend David Roche (David Roche was ordained Deacon in February 2016 at St George’s Cathedral, Jerusalem; he and his wife, Amy, are Mission Partners with the Church Mission Society serving at All Saints, Beirut)


Pause between DEACON TO BE & DEACON by the Reverend Jamil Khadir

When you ask somebody in this region ‘what do you know about deacons in Arab culture?’ they will answer you that they work with the pastor; that they are like the pastor’s shadow, organizing the trips for the congregation, preparing summer camps or other parish activities. In this article, I want to share what happened to me shortly before I was ordained a deacon, as I with two other friends (also preparing for ordination to the diaconate) found ourselves in Jerusalem on a pre-ordination retreat.

Clergy Retreat, 2016, led by the Very Reverend Canon Dr Gregory Jenks, Dean of St George’s

College.

To begin with, I was thrilled to be invited to retreat in Jerusalem, of all places, to spend time silently with God prior to ordination. During the retreat it was amazing to spend time with three priests from the Diocese, the Dean of St George’s College, the Very Reverend Canon Dr Gregory Jenks (who led the retreat), the Dean of the Cathedral, the Very Reverend Hosam Naoum, and the Archbishop’s Chaplain, the Reverend Canon David Longe and with Archbishop Suheil. The Archbishop and the priests gave time to us, sharing their experiences, and their compassion and we all enjoyed worshipping and learning more of God as we journeyed together. For me, it changed

my heart, mind and soul to accept God’s grace as we were prepared to be made deacon. The ordination retreat gave me an opportunity to reflect on my internal feelings; all of us were able to ask ourselves how our lives will be after ordination: ordination, I feel, does not change the person from outside but it changes them on the inside and helping them to understand how much God love each of us and sows his word in us so that we can share this word to the whole world. To do this from the point the ordination as Deacon gives, I feel, those of us who are called into this ministry, more responsibility upon our shoulders to carry the word and help serve our community.

Jamil Khadir has his stole placed across his chest to signify

his diaconate. The red colour of the stole reminds the deacons that the first deacon, St Stephen was martyred.

This helps each of us see where is our role in the church is both before we are ordained and after ordination. Before ordination, I committed myself to be a follower of Jesus Christ - in that way it was a decision between me and God - but at ordination I declared it in front of God and in front of His people: I said I will and I will do it with great love and joy. Our roles I feel as new deacons, is to help serve this church in the Holy Land and to ensure, as best we can, that the words and deeds of Jesus Christ are always working in our lives, churches, schools, institutions and within our families. (Jamil Khadir was ordained deacon by the Most Reverend Suheil Dawani on 17th February 2016.)


Jerusalem links with Dublin and Glendalough

On Sunday 10th January, the Archbishop signed an agreement with the Archbishop of Dublin and Glendalough, the Most Reverend Michael Jackson to link their two Dioceses.

Also present at the ceremony were:-Reverend Ken Rue, chair of the Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough’s council of mission, Linda Chambers (head of US(PG), Ireland).The Very Reverend Canon Dr. Gregory Jenks, Canon Dr. Lawrence Hilditch, Reverend Canon Robert Edmunds (The Episcopal Church), Canon David Longe and Jan de Bruijn.

Archbishop Michael and Archbishop Suheil sign the ‘Epiphany Agreement’ linking their Dioceses.

Prayer for initiative with the Diocese of Jerusalem and the United Dioceses of Dublin and

Glendalough

God, throughout human history you have heard the cry of your people when they turn to you for help and healing, for merciful belonging and for new life. Bless those who today tend the flame of witness

to your kindly presence in the Land of the Holy One. Give grace and protection to the bishop, the clergy and people in the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem who heed your command to love God and neighbour with courage and with generosity. Bless those who in the United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough build partnership, solidarity and friendship with the peoples of The Middle East at this time of harrowing and of hope. We ask this in the name of God Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.


The I948 Churches

When the state of Israel was created three of the Diocesan Churches were abandoned and fell into a state of disrepair – St Paul’s, Jerusalem; St Saviour’s, Acco (in the North); and St Peter’s, Jaffa (south of Tel Aviv). In 2011 St Paul’s was renovated and now is home to a mid-week congregation. However, the Diocese is working hard to re-establish the ministry and life of St Saviour’s and St Peter’s and it is hoped that in the next few years, these churches will be back on their feet once again serving their communities.

St Peter’s Jaffa

In 1902 St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Jaffa began in a rented location. At this same time, Constance Newton, a Church Mission Society Missionary, built a school and later a clinic. Constance also gave land so a church could be built in 1905, the first Arabic Synod voted to reassign The Rev. Boutros Nasser from Birzeit to Jaffa, where he worked closely with Constance and the mission. Fr. Nasser also had oversight of the parishes in Ramla, Lod, Gaza and Aboud. Constance died in 1908 and in her will she donated the land across the street from the school to build the present church, completed in 1942.

St Pauls’ Jerusalem St. Paul's is known to be the first Arab-Anglican church in the region. Built in 1873, with the support of the Church Missionary Society of England (the initials ‘CMS’ remain on pillars outside the church). The church was used by Arabic speaking Anglicans until 1948, when members of the congregation found they could not easily get to the church as it was on the west side of the "green line" dividing Jordanian East and Israeli West parts of Jerusalem. In 2011 it was renovated and reconsecrated. At

the re-opening, Archbishop Suheil set the vision for the church – to encourage reconciliation and mutual respect of all people. The Dean of the Cathedral, the Very Reverend Hosam Naoum conducts

weekly services and has provided tours for interested Jewish neighbors.


St Saviour’s, Acco (Akko Acre)

In 1874 the Rev. Khalil Kawar began his work in Acre and in 1901 began to provide medical services to the community. In 1946 the Synod decided to build St. Savior's Church. Money came from all over the Holy Land - Haifa, Jaffa, Lod, Ramleh, Jerusalem and Gaza. The women of the parishes’ also organized a Charity Bazaar and collected 200 British pounds. A further 500 British pounds was donated by another member which enabled the building to commence. By 1976 St. Saviours had fallen into disrepair and was closed

Other News

The Kindergarten of St George’s School Jerusalem enjoyed a wonderful Easter Egg Hunt in the grounds of the Cathedral

Archbishop Philip, Primate of Australia and Archbishop of Melbourne (installed as an Episcopal Canon of St George’s Cathedral on 4th April) visits Princess Basma Centre in April 2016


The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, which is part of the Anglican

Communion, in the province of Jerusalem and the Middle East, covers

five countries in the Middle East - Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine and

Israel, and forms part of the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East. The

Diocese consists of 27 parishes, with its Cathedral, St George-the-Martyr,

situated in Jerusalem near Damascus Gate, and over 30 institutions. The

Diocesan institutions includes hospitals, clinics, schools, and vocational training programs. The

Diocese through its institutions and parishes serve the community by caring not just for the able

bodied, but also for those with special needs, including the deaf, the disabled and the elderly. It is

through serving the poorest and most marginalized in the community, that Diocese seeks to convey

Christ’s message, of love, peace and justice for all regardless of their ethnicity or religion. The

Diocese greatly appreciates your support and your prayers. If you would like to support the work

of the Diocese please do contact the Diocese of Jerusalem – [email protected].

Please pray for the work and ministry of the Diocese in this land.

Pray not for Arab or Jew, for Palestinian or Israeli,

but pray rather for ourselves, that we might not

divide them in our prayers but keep them both together

in our hearts. Amen (Prayer from Christian Aid)

mailto:[email protected]

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The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem 2016... · Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem 1 Newsletter Easter 2016 Easter 2016, Newsletter My dear ... poor and the needy and every Christmas we