Archbishop Hosam Naoum presides over the Eucharist at All Saints Church – Beirut.

Archbishop Hosam Naoum, the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, concluded his first official and pastoral visit to Lebanon, by Presiding over the Eucharist on the Second Sunday of Advent at All Saints Episcopal Church in Beirut, on Sunday December 5th, 2021. Present in the service were Archdeacon Imad Zorob, the rector of the parish, Rev’d Canon Don Binder, Rev’d Canon Fuad Dagher, and members of the Arabic and English speaking congregations. At the beginning of service, Bishop Noum lit the second candle in the Advent wreath, wishing that the light of this candle will shine in our hearts and life, just as the light of the Gospel lit the lives of humanity.

Archdeacon Zorob welcomed Archbishop and Mrs. Naoum, and the accompanying delegation, and thanked them for their visit, prayers and support to the ministry of the church in Beirut. He also presented Bishop Naoum with a gift from Harisa. Ms. Hala Jamal presented a flower bouquet to Mrs. Rafa on behalf of the ladies groups. Bishop Naoum thanked both congregations, vestries members, and the laddies group for their warm welcome, and especially Archdeacon Imad and his wife Hind for their distinguished ministry in both the parishes, and St. Luke’s Centre, and presented them with a gift. Bishop Naoum honoured Mr. George Shami, and gave him a gift from Jerusalem, because of his dedication in serving the Diocesan Majam in Beirut. He also offered a gift to Mr. Mousa Zorob, the treasurer of the church Synod.

In his sermon Bishop Naoum talked about John the Baptist, “the Patron Saint of Joy,” explaining why he was given this name; “John came to preach the good news, and to announce God’s Righteousness and Salvation coming to the world. John was filled with joy when he was in his mother’s womb, Elisabeth, when he met with Jesus, in the womb of his mother, Mary, ‘ For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. ( Luke 1.44, NRSV).’ In the Gospel according to John we see John the Baptist as the friend of the Groom, who is filled with joy when the groom is filled with joy, the Evangelist described the second coming of Christ as a wedding that brings joy. ‘He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. (John 3.29, NRSV).’”

After the service a reception was held in the church hall in honour of Archbishop and Mrs. Naoum.