November 2014 Newsletter The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem Peace to you in the Name of the Lord Greetings from Archbishop Suheil Dawani Dear Friends, As we move into the hope-filled season of Advent, we have many reasons to celebrate. Our annual Majma (Synod) meeting in Amman affirmed the new direction of the Diocese as we seek to bolster our parishes and institutions and, in turn, improve our services to the wider community. During my visit to Beirut and official visits to the West Bank municipalities of Hebron and Nablus, I was reminded of the great potential of the people of this land, as well as the critical need for our Diocese to continue to support individuals, families and communities in living out this God given potential. In Jerusalem, the Heads of Churches and interfaith community banded together to call for an end to the recent cycle of violence, confident that religion need not be divisive, but rather a force for good, especially when it promotes peace, justice and reconciliation. In spite of all the challenges in this region, with the grace of God and the support of our friends, we are able to hold firm and, through our parishes, and institutions of healthcare and learning, make a positive contribution throughout the Middle East. I pray that this Christmas season, as you celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace, your lives will be blessed with love, peace and joy! Salaam, Peace Archbishop Suheil Dawani Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem www.j-diocese.org [email protected] Editor: The Most Rev’d Archbishop Suheil S. Dawani Page 1 The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem Newsletter Diocesan Development United Society Ireland Visit to Forge Links with Diocese of Jerusalem On 14 November, United Society Ireland National Director Linda Chambers (left), and Director Jan de Bruijn (2nd from right), met with Archbishop Suheil Dawani, Chief of Operations Ibrahim Faltas and Sawsan Aranki-Batato, Director of the Diocesan Programs Development Department. United Society Ireland was visiting the Diocese in preparation for its Advent 2014 campaign, in partnership with the Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough, Bishops’ Appeal and Friends of Sabeel, which aims to raise awareness and funds for Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza. In addition to visiting Al-Ahli, Ms. Chambers and Mr. de Bruijn toured The Princess Basma Center and St. George’s School in Jerusalem. During their meeting, Ms. Aranki-Batato provided an overview of Diocesan institutions, contextualizing their services within Palestinian national needs and priorities, with a special focus on Al-Ahli Hospital and the challenges that arose as a result of the war in Gaza. The Advent campaign is seen as a first step in a diocese-to-diocese linkage between the Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough and Jerusalem. Diocesan News & Institutions 2014 Majma Conference in Amman The 2014 Majma (Synod) of the Diocese of Jerusalem took place from 10-12 November in Amman. The opening Eucharist was held on the evening of 10 November at Jabal Amman Redeemer Church and the conference itself got underway the following morning at Bristol Hotel. The theme of this year’s Majma, organized by Fr. Hanna Mansour and the Amman Diocesan office, was “Co-labouring with God.” The Majma affirmed recent diocesan developments, including the hiring of a new Chief of Operations and Chief Accountant, which will strengthen the administrative and financial structure of the diocese. The Majma also commended the Province’s decision to confer the title “Archbishop in Jerusalem” upon His Grace Suheil. Speakers at the meeting included Archbishop Suheil, Mrs. Shafeeqa Dawani as President of Women’s Ministry, Diocesan directors and clergy, as well several overseas partners, Bishop Gayle Harris of the Diocese of Massachusetts and Revd Canon Bob Edmunds, representing the U.S. Episcopal Church. Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem www.j-diocese.org Contact us at: [email protected] Page 2 Editor: The Most Revd Suheil S. Dawani The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem Newsletter Diocese of Jerusalem Welcomes New Staff The Diocesan Office in Jerusalem recently welcomed two new staff members: Ghassan Isaac, CPA, General Accountant/Finance Director: Among other responsibilities, Ghassan will follow up on long term financial planning, budgeting and reporting, and will give financial advice and direction to Diocesan institutions. Ghassan has experience in formulating overall financial strategies for complex multi-branch organizations. In addition, he is knowledgeable in developing and managing operational and capital budgets, as well as cash flow projections. Sami Khouri, Programs Director: Among other responsibilities, Sami will follow up on planning, reporting, fundraising, visibility and compliance with donors. Sami comes with a background in programmatic quality assurance. The focus of his previous work experience has been primarily in planning, designing, monitoring and evaluation of development and relief projects and programs, organizational strategic planning, and fundraising. He holds a Master’s degree in International Cooperation and Development and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Parishes NY Pilgrimage Group Visits St. George’s Cathedral On 6 November, a pilgrimage group from St. Martin-in-the-Fields Parish in New York State visited St. George’s Cathedral and was greeted by Archbishop Suheil in his Diocesan office. Revd Earle King led the group, which was guided by Iyad Qumri. Ramle Memorial Service Hundreds of people attended the British Embassy’s annual Remembrance Sunday and prayer service on 9 November, which took place at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in Ramle. This year’s Remembrance Service commemorated 100 years since the beginning of the First World War. Among those who came to pay their respects to the fallen were ambassadors, serving military and veterans, and dignitaries from across the world. British Ambassador H.E. Matthew Gould opened the ceremony and laid the first wreath. The prayer service was led by Revd Canon Samuel Fanous, the Anglican Chaplain of Ramle, Lod and Jaffa, assisted by the Catholic priest of Ramle. Following the service, guests were invited to a reception at the residence of the British Ambassador in Ramat Gan. Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem www.j-diocese.org Contact us at: [email protected] Page 3 Editor: The Most Revd Suheil S. Dawani The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem Newsletter St. Matthew’s Church in Zababdeh Celebrates Advent On 30 November, Archbishop Suheil celebrated the first Sunday in Advent with Revd Saleem Dawani and the congregation of St. Matthew’s Church in Zababdeh. Following the Eucharist, congregants enjoyed refreshments while His Grace met with church elders. Later in the day, Archbishop Suheil opened the Christmas Bazaar. There was a high turnout at the celebration, which was also attended by the Mayor of Zababdeh, Chief of Police, clergy from other village churches, and representatives from Jenin Governorate, World Vision and the Bible Society. Special Visits & Events Visit to Beirut From 1-4 November, Archbishop Suheil and Mrs. Shafeeqa Dawani, visited Beirut to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of St. Luke’s Centre for Rehabilitation and the joint confirmation service of the local and international congregations at All Saints’ Church. On 1 November, Archbishop Suheil met with the All Saints’ Parish Committee, greeting each member of council, and welcoming David and Amy Roche, Church Mission Society (CMS) missioners from the UK. David will be assisting the international congregation under the supervision of Revd Nabil Shehadeh, who will complete his ten years of service in August 2015. Also present at the meeting was Tanas Alqassis, CMS Regional Manager for the Middle East. In the afternoon, St. Luke’s Centre held its 50th Anniversary celebration, which included the opening of the Autism Centre. All Saints’ Revd Imad Zoorob opened the ceremony with a prayer, and welcomed the Archbishop and Mrs. Dawani with gifts of appreciation. Also acknowledged for their support were the Vice Mayor of Beit Mery municipality, the Rotaract Club of Metn, and the Director of St. Luke’s, Micheline Behdi, for her devotion. The celebration included a presentation on the Centre, its history and services. St. Luke’s children then performed a musical program prepared and played by Josephine Hajj, including solo hymns. The celebration was followed by dinner with the Centre’s families. On 2 November, the Archbishop presided over communion service for seven confirmation candidates. During the service, Revd Imad spoke on the day’s trinitarian celebration: All Saints Day, Confirmation Sunday and, thirdly, the recent conferral of Archbishop status upon His Grace Suheil. The service included hymns sung by the children, who, after the laying of hands and communion, posed for a photo with Archbishop Suheil. After the celebration, the group recessed with the Archbishop, who opened the buffet. Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem www.j-diocese.org Contact us at: [email protected] Page 4 Editor: The Most Revd Suheil S. Dawani The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem Newsletter Official Visit to Hebron On 5 November, as part of a Christian-Muslim delegation from Jerusalem, Archbishop Suheil made an official visit to the West Bank municipality of Hebron, accompanied by Canon John Organ, Revd Hosam Naoum, Diocesan Medical Coordinator Dr. Hisham Nassar and Property Manager Amin Abu Hanna. The delegation visited the Sanctuary of Abraham, also known as the Tomb of the Patriarchs, which enshrines the tombs of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their wives (pictured left). The site, dating from the time of Herod and once a Crusader church, is holy to both Muslims and Jews. The group was also given a tour of Al-Ahli Hospital, a charitable hospital belonging to the Patient’s Friends Society. Al-Ahli in Hebron is the largest hospital in Palestine, with state-of-the-art technology in its surgical and medical departments, emergency and outpatient clinics. The hospital also runs a nursing college.