The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem 2014 Newsletter.pdf · Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem ... Dr....

Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

www.j-diocese.org

[email protected]

Editor: The Rt. Rev’d Bishop Suheil S. Dawani

Peace to you in the Name of the Lord

Greetings from Bishop Suheil Dawani

Dear Friends,

Now celebrating the school graduation season, we are reminded of the importance of

our education ministry to the wider community, as families, friends, teachers and

school staff all share in the accomplishments of our students. Confirmation services of

our parishes also serve as important rites of passage for youth as they seek answers in

their journey of faith.

We are continuing to progress in our efforts to establish a solid foundation for the

Diocese, with meetings for the development of some of our properties. The success of

these efforts will ensure a strong and vibrant Anglican presence in the Holy Land for

future generations, also ensuring that our ministries of education, healthcare and

pastoral services will continue to glorify God and serve the common good.

As the joyous Eastertide season makes way for Pentecost, there is much to celebrate

and many reasons for hope!

Salaam, Peace

+ Suheil Dawani

May 2014 Newsletter

The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

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

mailto:[email protected]

The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem Newsletter

Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem www.j-diocese.org Contact us at: [email protected] Editor: The Rt Revd Suheil S. Dawani

Interfaith Meeting with Jordanian Minister of Awqaf

On 7 May, Dr. Haeil Abdul Hafeez Daoud, the Jordanian Minister of Awqaf and Islamic

Affairs, invited Muslim and Christian religious leaders, including Bishop Suheil, for an

interfaith lunch during his visit to Jerusalem.

Visit of Maronite Patriarch of Lebanon

Bishop Suheil joined other Heads of Churches on 27 May at the Maronite Patriarchate in Jerusalem

for a lunch in honour of His Beatitude Cardinal Beshara Boutros El Rai, Patriarch of Lebanon’s

Maronite Catholic Church. Cardinal Rai was in Jerusalem as part of a group of senior clergy

accompanying Pope Francis on his Holy Land pilgrimage.

Diocesan Development

Evangelical Mission in Solidarity Visits Middle East As part of its Middle East trip, German partner Evangelical Mission in Solidarity (EMS) visited the Diocese of Jerusalem as

special guests of Bishop Suheil in early May. On 5 May, EMS representatives Uwe Graebe, Christine Groetzinger, Cathrin

Kaufmann and Klaus Schmid, held a very positive meeting with Bishop Suheil and his Chaplain, Canon John Organ. Bishop

Suheil reaffirmed the Diocese’s genuine partnership with EMS and its

commitment to go forward together, according to a new agreement with

EMS, to reestablish Schneller School as a high-quality learning institution

that serves the needs of Jordanians.

EMS also met with Diocesan Head of Development, Sawsan Aranki-Batato,

who gave an overview of the Diocese’s work, priorities and challenges,

and discussed programs funded by EMS, including Schneller School, the

capacity building program for Diocesan school teachers, and programs on women and youth empowerment. In turn, EMS

discussed their new strategy for funding. The EMS trip also covered Lebanon, including a visit to the Near East School for

Theology, and Jordan, with visits to the Jofeh Center, Schneller School, Arab Episcopal School in Irbid and the Holy Land

Institute for the Deaf.




Visit with Australian Donors On 21 May, Robert McLean, Partnerships Coordinator for Australia’s Anglican Board of Mission (ABM) and Anglicare’s Peter

Burke, visited Bishop Suheil during their pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the

“Palestine of Jesus” course at St. George’s College. The group later met with

Sawsan Aranki-Batato, Diocesan Head of Development, who provided an

overview of the work of Diocesan institutions, as well as an update on ABM-

funded projects: the Prevention and Control of Diabetes and Cardiovascular

Diseases, Equipping Young Palestinians with Vocational Information

Technology and Computer Maintenance Skills, student scholarships, and

Youth Leadership. Ms. Aranki-Batato accompanied Mr. McLean and Mr.

Burke on a joint field visit to the Medical Center for Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease in Ramallah, where they had the

opportunity to see the center while fully operational. The donors noted in particular the Center’s paperless work

environment.

Diocesan News & Institutions

Ahliyyah School Board Meeting

On 8 May, the board of Ahliyyah Girls’ School met in Amman to discuss the purchase of land to build a new campus for the

Ahliyyah and Bishop’s Schools.

Schneller School Board Meeting

On 8 May, the board of the Theodor Schneller School met in the presence of Evangelical Mission in Solidarity (EMS) partners

to discuss the current situation and future leadership of the school.

St. John’s School Board Meeting

On 12 May, the board of St. John’s School in Haifa met to discuss plans for next year.




St. George’s Development Project Progress

Negotiators representing the Chinese investment firm, CITIC, met with Bishop

Suheil and his Diocesan team to discuss St. George’s Development project on 14

May. CITIC was represented by international law firm White & Case LLP, while

the Diocese of Jerusalem team included advocates Maher Shehadeh, Tarek

Ibrahim and Nassar Nassar, and Canon John Organ, the Bishop’s Chaplain.

Once operational, St. George’s Development will serve as a mixed use urban

complex, including commercial and cultural facilities with some 850 hotel rooms on Nablus Road, a short walk from the Old

City’s Damascus Gate. The development will benefit the wider community through job creation and funding of

humanitarian, education and healthcare services throughout the diocese.

Standing and Finance Committee Meeting On 20 May, the Diocesan Standing and Finance Committee met in Jordan. Bishop

Suheil opened the meeting with a pastoral message on Clergy and Committees.

Diocesan projects were discussed, including Queen Heleni, the Jaffa site and St.

George’s Development Project, the latter receiving unanimous support. The

Standing and Finance Committee meets on a quarterly basis.

Open Day at Princess Basma Inclusive School The Princess Basma Inclusive School held an Open Day on 22 May where students showcased special projects they had been

working on with teachers throughout the academic year. Bishop Suheil opened

the event, emphasizing the importance of the school in inclusive education, and

congratulating students and teachers on their work. Projects covered a wide

range of subjects, including Arabic, English, Science, Chemistry, Math, Social

Sciences and Palestinian Heritage. Students from the Autism Unit, Learning

Disabilities and Hearing Impaired classes showcased handicrafts, while products

from the Sheltered Workshop were also on display. Also joining in the day’s

celebration were Princess Basma Director Ibrahim Faltas and School Headmaster Ali Wasim, Princess Basma Center staff and

students’ families.




Graduations

AEES and ETVTC Joint Graduation Ceremony Under the patronage of His Grace Bishop Suheil Dawani, the Arab Evangelical Episcopal School (AEES) and the Episcopal

Technological and Vocational Training Center (ETVTC) held a joint graduation celebration on Friday, 16 May. The ceremony

was held at the Ramallah Cultural Palace in the presence of a large gathering of graduates’ relatives and friends, and

included performances by the school choir. In attendance were Bishop Suheil, the visiting Palestinian Ambassador to

Ireland H.E. Ahmad Abdelrazek, the Pastor of St. Andrew’s

Church Rev. Fadi Diab, the Mayor of Ramallah Municipality

Mousa Haddid, AEES Headmaster Iyad Rafidi, ETVTC Director

Giovanni Anbar, and a number of clergy and municipal

representatives.

The ceremony began with the entry procession of graduates. Rev. Diab welcomed everyone and offered a spiritual

reflection. Headmaster Iyad Rafidi spoke about the achievements of AEES, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary in

October 2014. Mr. Rafidi gratefully acknowledged Bishop Suheil’s continuous support to the school, staff, students and

their families. He also thanked Emmanuel Sisterhood for establishing AEES and the Evangelical Home for Children in 1954,

and extended the school’s condolences for the loss of Sister Mary Jean Gruppe, who passed away in April. Along with

advice to the graduates, Mr. Rafidi wished them good luck.

ETVTC Director Giovanni Anbar spoke about the importance of vocational education

and the professional opportunities afforded ETVTC graduates as a result of both

their training and the need for skilled workers. Mr. Anbar announced that, with the

support of Bishop Suheil, ETVTC has succeeded in launching a new vocational

sector, IT, thus offering an exciting new arena for AEES students and youth from

other West Bank schools.

Bishop Suheil congratulated the graduates, their families, the school administration and its faculty, and wished the students

success in the journey of their lives. Bishop Suheil encouraged graduates to go beyond individualism and narrow notions of

citizenship to embrace wider humanitarian and global responsibilities. His Grace also emphasized the importance of self-

confidence, faith and doctrine. Finally, Bishop Suheil prayed that the graduates continue to grow spiritually, without

neglecting the importance of worldly responsibilities. At the end of the ceremony, Bishop Suheil, Mr. Rafidi and Mr. Anbar,

and other guests of honour presented certificates and awards to the graduates.




Princess Basma Graduation Ceremony Under the patronage of His Grace Bishop Suheil Dawani, Princess

Basma High School in Jerusalem celebrated the graduation of its

students on Saturday, 17 May at the Palestinian National (Al Hakawati)

Theatre. The ceremony was attended by the Minister for Jerusalem

Affairs ‘Adnan Al-Huseini, Princess Basma Board Members, the school

principal, parents, teachers, local residents and dignitaries.

Saviour Episcopal School Graduation in Zarka, Jordan On 19 May, Bishop Suheil presided at the Saviour Episcopal School graduation ceremony, along with Headmistress Mrs.

Dua’a Bisharat and Rev. Dr. Khalid Freij, Priest of Saviour Church in Zarka,

Jordan. The ceremony featured dances, prayers and speeches by the

children. Kindergarten students also practised their conversational skills in

French, a new school subject. Bishop Suheil gave advice to the twenty-two

graduating children and his commitment for the completion of the third floor

of the school. Rev. Freij advised students to strengthen themselves with faith

and hope. Headmistress Mrs. Bisharat spoke on the importance of children

respecting one other and their parents, and education as the key for a life with dignity and peace.

St. George’s School Graduation

Under the patronage of His Grace Bishop Suheil Dawani, St. George’s

School in Jerusalem celebrated its graduation on 26 May. In his speech

to the graduating class of thirty-four students, Bishop Suheil focused

on the importance of being effective citizens, equipped with moral

standards and values along with academic excellence, for the

betterment of society and the world. Top students in both the

Humanities and Sciences were awarded. Bishop Suheil also recognized

retiring teachers and thanked the School’s Administration, led by the

Very Rev. Hosam Naoum and Rev. Dr. Lawrence Hilditch.




Ahliyyah and Bishop’s School Graduation Under the patronage of alumna Her Royal Highness Princess Basma Bint Talal, The Ahliyyah School for Girls and The Bishop’s

School for Boys celebrated their 75th graduating class on 27 May. Rev. Canon Fa’eq Haddad opened the ceremony with a

prayer. In the Superintendant’s address, Her Excellency Mrs. Haifa Najjar

urged graduates to continue to take risks, generate critical questions and be

courageous in meeting the challenges of the future. A highlight of the

ceremony was a film presentation on the journey of both schools. In addition

to delivering speeches, students of both schools performed a number of

songs, adding to the festivities. Bishop Suheil addressed the audience and

graduates, encouraging them to pursue their dreams through hard work and

dedication. Graduates then received their certificates from Her Royal Highness Princess Basma, who honoured Her

Excellency Mrs. Najjar for her continuous efforts in directing and developing the schools. The celebration concluded with a

national song performed by a number of graduates.

Theodor Schneller School Graduation

Under the patronage of His Grace Bishop Suheil Dawani, the Theodor Schneller School (TSS) celebrated its 46th graduating

class on 28 May. A total of 19 students graduated to serve the Jordanian

community as skilled craftsmen in the fields of blacksmithing, carpentry and

auto-mechanics. Bishop Suheil remarked on the fact that the TSS graduation

ceremony coincided with Jordanian Independence Day. His Grace emphasized

the spirit of national pride at TSS in being part of Jordan, a country whose

political leadership has helped to foster peaceful coexistence between

Christians and Muslims. Jordan’s Public Security Musical Band and Greater

Amman Municipality Oriental Band shared in the ceremony.

Arab Episcopal Kindergarten Graduation Ceremony Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mer'ed Bin Ra'ed, the Arab Episcopal School (AES) celebrated its eleventh

kindergarten graduation in Irbid on 28 May. Also present were the

Governor of Irbid, Bishop Suheil Dawani, Headmistress Mrs. Sabah

Zurikat, Rev. Samir Esaid, school administrators, academic staff and

parents.

Opening the event, Rev. Esaid welcomed guests, prayed for all and

thanked God for the school’s progress in recent years. Headmistress

Sabah Zurikat greeted guests and His Royal Highness Prince Mer'ed,




whom she thanked, along with his father Prince Ra'ed, for supporting the goals of the school. She also thanked the parents

of the twenty-four graduating students and spoke about the main education of the school: the education of peace.

Bishop Suheil praised the school’s special community, which includes Christians and Muslims, sighted and blind, learning and

working together, respecting and helping each other. He also highlighted the achievements of the Episcopal Church in the

Middle East and its charitable projects in various domains.

Maha Khasawneh, teacher of elementary level blind students,

emphasized the importance of education that integrates the blind with

the sighted. She also spoke about learning techniques and tools. Prior

to the ceremony, Prince Mer'ed had been shown the school’s facilities,

including specialized equipment, systems and visual aids (for example,

electronic writing boards in school computer labs) used in the

classroom and the library.

Guests were regaled with traditional performances by visually impaired and blind students, as well as by blind teachers and

volunteers who played the piano. At the end of the ceremony, Bishop Suheil presented His Royal Highness Prince Mer'ed

with the AES coat of arms. Following Prince Mer'ed’s words of encouragement for AES, which he praised as an example to

all the schools in Jordan in its integration of students with disabilities, he presented certificates and awards to the

graduating students.

Christ Episcopal High School Graduation in Nazareth Under the patronage of His Grace Bishop Suheil Dawani, Christ Episcopal School celebrated the graduation of its 18th class of

students at Golden Crown Hall in Nazareth on Saturday, 31 May. A total of 89 students graduated in the 2013-14 class.

Among attendees were the Bishop’s Property Assistant Mr. Amin Abu Hanna, clergy, High School Principal Mrs. Manal

Shoufani, the school faculty and administration, Mayor of Nazareth Mr. Ali Salam, Deputy Mayor Mr. Joseph Ayad, the

Parents’ Committee, graduates’ families, and many friends and members

of the local community.

The ceremony was opened by Mr. Enad Zoabi, who welcomed guests,

and Rev. Nael Abu Rahmoun gave a prayer. The class graduation speech

was delivered by students Yamen Abu Ahmad, Maram Krayem and

Sophia Mustafa. The ceremony included songs by the students and a

slideshow highlighting memories of the school year.

Bishop Suheil blessed the graduates, wishing them success after high school and imploring them to go out and serve their

community and society. He also emphasized the importance of coexistence, unity and respect for others, which they had




learned at Christ School. Speeches were also given by Principal Manal Shoufani, Mayor Salam, and Chair of the Parents’

Committee Mr. Nehru Naara. At the end of the ceremony, certificates were distributed to the graduates.

Parishes

Confirmation Service at Amman Redeemer Church

Redeemer Church in Amman celebrated the ‘laying of hands’ ceremony for 26 of its boys and girls in an evening service on

Sunday, 18 May. Bishop Suheil presided over the service, joined by Rev. Canon Faeq Haddad, Rev. George Kopti, Rev.

Malcolm Forrest and Rev. Eyad Ajji.

The service began with a twilight procession of the newly established Scout

group and choir, as well as the children to be confirmed. The boys and girls,

accompanied by their parents and Godparents, confirmed their baptismal

promises and professed their growing faith, while family, relatives and friends

looked on, sharing in the joyous occasion. During the service, the Bishop gave

his blessings for the new Scout group and choir, which performed two hymns.

Following the Confirmation Service, the parents held a reception in honour of Bishop Suheil, the confirmed and the over 350

worshippers.

Join us in prayer for the confirmed youth, the new Scout group and choir, that God will use them to enhance belonging and

community.

Pilgrimages & Visits

International Group of Deans and Rectors Visits Jerusalem

An international group of Deans and Rectors from the world’s major financial centers

met with Bishop Suheil on 2 May. The group, with members hailing from New York,

London, Cape Town, Sydney, Wellington, Toronto and Hong Kong, each year visit one

of their own cities, but this year chose to meet in Jerusalem.




London and NY Parishes Visit Diocese of Jerusalem

On 2 May, a group of pilgrims from two London parishes, St. John’s Wood and St.

Mary-the-Virgin Primrose Hill, as well as a group from St. James-the-Less Church in

Scarsdale, NY, met with Bishop Suheil in St. George’s Cathedral. The UK group was

led by the Rev. Canon John Peterson and the NY group by Rev. Thomason

Newcomb. Iyad Qumri was tour guide to both groups.

Chief Rabbi of London Visits Jerusalem

The Chief Rabbi of London, Ephraim Mervis, met in Jerusalem with the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem, Oded Wiener, and a group

of rabbis, in the presence of local church representatives. Speaking to the interfaith group, Bishop Suheil emphasized the

importance of dialogue, which leads to mutual understanding between faiths, and human dignity.

Meeting with Rev. Glasgow, Anglican Church of Canada

On 14 May, Bishop Suheil met with Reverend Laurette Glasgow, Special Advisor for

Government Relations for the Anglican Church of Canada and the Diocese of Ottawa.

Rev. Glasgow was in Jerusalem for the “Palestine of Jesus” course at St. George’s

College, with plans to visit Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza and the Princess Basma Center, two

institutions for which the Diocese of Ottawa will be fundraising. Rev. Glasgow’s visit

came as part of the Anglican Church of Canada’s growing partnership with the Diocese

of Jerusalem.

Meeting with Canadian Head of Mission

On 22 May, Bishop Suheil received Canadian Representative to the Palestinian Authority, Katherine Verrier-Fréchette, at his

office in Jerusalem. Also in attendance were the Bishop’s Chaplain, Canon John Organ; Rev. Laurette Glasgow, Special

Advisor for Government Relations for the Anglican Church of Canada and the

Diocese of Ottawa; and Mr. Ibrahim Faltas, Director of the Princess Basma

Center. Bishop Suheil discussed with Mme Verrier-Fréchette the scope of the

Diocese’s work, in particular its important healthcare and education ministries

in Palestine, as well as the challenges of providing services in a difficult

socioeconomic context. Rev. Glasgow spoke about the growing partnership

between the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Anglican Church of Canada,

including the upcoming fundraisers in Ottawa for Al Ahli Hospital and the Princess Basma Center. Mr. Faltas, who will soon

be travelling to Canada for the fundraising event, invited the Canadian Representative to visit Princess Basma Center.




More stories and information are available at: www.j-diocese.org Email enquiries to: [email protected]

Donations may be sent to: The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, PO Box 19122, Jerusalem, 91191

The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, a diocese of the worldwide Anglican Communion, extends

over five countries, including Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine and Israel, within the Province of

Jerusalem and the Middle East. There are 27 parishes that minister to the needs of their

communities, centered 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 neighbors in mutual respect and cooperation.



mailto:[email protected]

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