Archbishop Hosam Naoum celebrates All Saints’ Sunday at Christ Church Nazareth.

Bishop Hosam Naoum, the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, presided over the celebratory Eucharist on All Saints’ Sunday at Christ Anglican Church in Nazareth, marking the end of year long celebration for the 150th anniversary of the dedication of the church on Sunday morning October 30th, 2022. Bishop Naoum was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Rafa Qafiti Naoum. Rev’d Canon Don Binder, the Archbishop’s Chaplain, and Rev’d Nael Abu Rahmoun participated in the service, which was also attended by vestry members, representatices of the ladies group and the youth group, parishioners, and pilgrims frim Germany and Canada.

Rev’d Abu Rahmoun welcomed Bishop Naoum and his family to the service, using the well know phrase: “where the bishop is there is the church” adding: “where the bishop’s spirituality is there is the church’s Spirituality,” explaining that Spirituality reflects the life of the Saints, so why does it reflect the Bishop’s journey towards holiness? May it reflect the life of the Bishop and his vision.

In his sermon Archbishop Naoum reflected on All Saint’s Day, and the idea behind “the Communion of Saints,” explaining that sanctification is not only a calling from God to all, but also a blessing and a gift from God, and its the work of the Holy Spirit within us since the day we were baptized.” Adding: “after we have celebrated the 150th anniversary of this Church, we need to work together towards a vision and ministry that will last for at least another 150 year.

Bishop Naoum sent greetings and prayers from the congregation in Nazareth to Archdeacon Imad Zorob and both All Saints parishes in Beirut and Damascus.

After the service, Bishop Naoum and his wife Rafa, and Rev’d Abu Rahmoun and his wife Mira, joined the parishoners at a reception in the church hall.