Archbishop Hosam Naoum celebrates the Eucharist on the Second Sunday of Advent, and lights the Christmas tree in Haifa.

Bishop Hosam Naoum, the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, presided over the Eucharist on the Second Sunday of Advent on Sunday Evening December 4th 2022, at St. Luke’s Church in Haifa. Rev’d Canon Hatim Shihadeh, the Vicar of the parish, Rev’d Canon Wadie Far, Mrs. Rafa Qafiti Naoum, Mrs. Lisa Nassar Shihadeh, vestry members, and members and friends of the congregation (St. John the Evangelist) were present.

Rev’d Canon Shihadeh welcomed Bishop Naoum and wished him a blessed Christmas Season. Bishop Naoum’s sermon focused on St. John the Baptist, who preceded Christ, and who connected the Old testament with the New. Bishop Naoum focused on three points in his sermon: 1 preparation, John came to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord, and we also need to be prepared and to plan for all aspects of our lives, spiritual, professional, and private. 2 Humility, John led people to Christ and not to himself. 3 Repentance, John’s message was one of Repentance, ‘Therefore, bear fruit worthy of repentance. (Matthew 3.8)” despite the Christmas tree, the decorations, and the festivities, the season of Advent is a season of repentance, and reconciliation with God.”

Bishop Naoum sent his greeting to all in Haifa, congratulating them on the Feast of Feasts during this month. Directly after the service, the Christmas tree in front of St. Luke’s was lit, in a festive atmosphere, filled with Christmas hymns.