The Second Day of the Synod (Majma) 2023 Sessions of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.

As on every day, the second day of the Synod sessions for the 2023 Assembly began with a Eucharistic service led by Rev’d Jamil Monir Khadir and with a sermon given by Rev’d Salim Duwani. Afterwards, the President of the Synod, Bishop Hosam Naoum, welcomed the Jordanian Minister of Culture, Her Excellency Ms. Haifa Najjar, who delivered a speech of gratitude and appreciation to the Archbishop and the Church Council for their exceptional services to the community and conveyed the greetings of the Jordanian government. Bishop Naoum welcomed the Minister and through her conveyed greetings to the Jordanian government, people, and above all to His Majesty King Abdullah II, emphasizing the importance of the Hashemite custodianship over the Christian and Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem.

Ms. Raffa Naoum facilitated a workshop on the role of women in the church and society. The idea was presented by the members of the Diocesan Women’s Committee, who also participated in the workshop. Ms. Hind Zorob spoke about the role of women in the Bible, focusing on some women of the Bible, especially the Virgin Mary. Ms. Hana Dagher from Shefa-Amr shed light on the role of women in the parish, presenting the reality of the presence and commitment of women in the congregation.

Ms. Adla Imran from Nazareth spoke about the role of women in building society, sharing her personal experience when she worked in the Ministry of Education. Meanwhile, Ms. Sabah Zreikat from Irbid presented the qualities, standards, and competencies of women as leaders, particularly in institutions. Bishop Hosam Naoum gave a brief lecture on women’s leadership in general and the theological and social dimensions in particular. The members of the Synod unanimously welcomed all the talks in the workshop, and some of them expressed gratitude and encouragement to continue developing and empowering women and enhancing their leadership roles. Finally, Ms. Naoum thanked all the participants of the workshop for their pioneering role. The Synod was attended also by the other members of the Women’s Committee: Ms. Nour Nassour from Damascus – Syria, Ms. Rania Anki from Amman, and Ms. Rula Khalil, from Nablus. Ms. Liza Shehadeh from Haifa, Ms. Ruba Diab from Ramallah, and Ms. Mary Kopti, from Al Ashrafieh – Amman, are also members of the committee, but were unable to attend the Synod. Bishop Naoum also praised the ministry of the Women’s Committee in previous years under the leadership of Bishop Suheil, and Ms. Shafeeqa Dawani. This workshop marks the new beginning of Women’s ministry in the Diocese.

In another session, the Diocesan General Accountant, Mr. Ghassan Issac, delivered a lecture titled “Strategic Planning and Value Proposition.”

After lunch, the Synod Secretary’s report was presented and discussed, as well as the presentation and discussion of both the Jordanian Properties Committee, and the Palestine, and the Galilee Properties Committee reports.

After the sessions of the second day of the conference, Rev’d Canon Samir Esaid led the evening prayer and Rev’d Hatem Geries delivered the sermon. The sessions of the 2023 Church Council continue until Thursday, April 27, 2023.