Diocesan Parishes
St. George’s Cathedral, Jerusalem
The Arabic-Speaking Congregation
Ministries
Bi-monthly Bible Study, Women’s fellowship monthly, home visits, administration with Vestry.
Vision
Address needs of aging population and affordable housing shortage for our parishioners and their families.
Service Times
See the “Service Times” drop-down on the “St. George’s Cathedral” menu item above.
The English-Speaking Congregation
The English Speaking International Congregation welcomes you. We are a small group of resourceful people, overseen by the Chaplain to the Archbishop.
Ministries
Sacramental and pastoral ministry to both pilgrims and the English-speaking expatriate community. A place of daily prayer and worship, the Cathedral also plays an important role in support of the ministry of the Archbishop for diocesan, ecumenical, and interfaith events.
Vision
Continue to expand and develop relationships between the Cathedral, English speaking residents in the area, and pilgrims who come to visit the Living Stones in the Land of the Holy One.
Service Times
See the “Service Times” drop-down on the “St. George’s Cathedral” menu item above.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Jerusalem
St. Paul’s is known to be the first Arab-Anglican church in the region. The church was built in 1873 with the support of the Church Missionary Society of England (CMS) during the episcopacy of the Rt. Revd Samuel Gobat. The church was consecrated for use in public worship on November 29, 1874.
St. Paul’s was in regular use by Arabic speaking Anglicans until 1948, when members of the congregation found they could not easily get to the church as it was on the west side of the “green line” dividing Jordanian East and Israeli West parts of Jerusalem.
The congregation began to worship at Christ Church, Jaffa Gate for a few years. In 1953 the congregation of St. Paul’s became, by formal agreement, part of the ministry of the Cathedral of St. George in East Jerusalem. Prior to renovation and reconsecration in March of 2011, St. Paul’s Church had not been in use for regularly scheduled worship since 1948.
With the re-opening of the Church, Archbishop Hosam continues to encourage the reconciliation and mutual respect of all people. The Reverend Wadie Far, Pastor to the Arabic-Speaking Congregation at St. George’s Cathedral, holds regular worship services in Arabic at 11 am on Wednesdays and has provided tours for interested Jewish neighbors.
In ecumenical fellowship, the church will also be used by other Christian worshiping groups.
Emmanuel Church, Ramleh
Ministry
Ecumenical programs through two weekly groups, Jr and Sr High, attended by 25-30 youth, a weekly women’s group with 40 each week, Sunday School for two hours each Sunday morning while many parents are at work, summer camps, and community interfaith ministries.
Vision
To build a rectory apartment on the top floor of the parish hall to save rental expenses, and to make useable office space currently located in the sacristy.
Service times
Sunday 6:30pm and Wednesday 6:30pm.
St. Peter’s Church, Jaffa
History
In 1902, the mission of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Jaffa began in a rented location. At this same time, Miss Constance Newton, a missionary of CMS from England built a school for boys and later a clinic. She also gave land in order to build the church. At the consecration of the church a copper plaque engraved with Miss Newton’s name was installed inside the church building.
In 1905, the first Arabic Synod in the Diocese of Jerusalem voted to reassign The Rev. Boutros Nasser from Birzeit to Jaffa, where he worked closely with Miss Newton and the mission. Fr. Nasser also had oversight of the parishes in Ramla, Lod, Gaza and Aboud. Miss Newton died in 1908 and in her will she donated the land across the street from the school to build the present church. The church building actually began after World War I in 1918 and was completed on March 22, 1921. The bell tower was completed later in 1942. The diocesan bishop at that time was The Rt. Rev. Rennie McInnes.
St. Peter’s closed in 1948 because of the war that followed the end of the British Mandate period. This conflict saw the expulsion of the resident Palestinian Christian congregation, including the family of retired Archbishop Suheil, whose father had been on the parish vestry. His family first fled to Lebanon, then to Jordan, before finally settling in the Rafidia area of Greater Nablus in the West Bank. St. Peter’s has remained closed ever since.
Vision
With the support of faithful partners, including descendants of former parishioners, our mission is to restore St. Peter’s Church, refocusing its ministry on service to the local Diplomatic Corps, many of whom are expat members of the Worldwide Anglican Communion. The parish will also have an outreach ministry to Seafarers through the ports of Jaffa and nearby Ashdod, Israel’s largest.
Watch here a video of then-Archbishop Suheil and the Archbishop of Canterbury visiting St. Peter’s in May of 2017:
Video of then-Archbishop Suheil and the Archbishop of Canterbury at St. Peter’s, Jaffa
St. Peter’s Restoration Project
The Diocese of Jerusalem is currently in the process of renovating St. Peter’s. Especially in view of the economic challenges springing from the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic and war in Ukraine, contributions towards this $300,000 project would be most welcome.
How to Donate
Please contact Mrs. Sawsan Batato, Diocesan Programs Development Officer at programsdevelopment@j-diocese.org, for information on how to contribute to this exciting reopening of Historic St. Peter’s.
Holy Family Church, Reineh
Ministry
Three circles of ministry include parish ministry of faith empowerment, Christian education and ethics, and faith community building; ecumenical ministry focused on relationships and understanding with other Christian churches; interfaith ministry which focuses on bridging the gaps between people of the three Abrahamic faiths, including hosting the Kids for Peace program with summer camps of children from different faiths.
Vision
To build a specialized High School providing training for local children in Science and Technology; start a women’s catering project to equip women with a means to help support their families; start a Young Journalists Program to foster expression and learning; increase the scholarship program which assists young people with the costs of higher education.
Christ Church, Nazareth
Ministry
Sunday School, Women’s meetings for Bible Study and social gathering.
Vision
To unite the members of the parish into a community.
History
For more information on the history of Christ Church, Nazareth please see this article by Duane Alex Miller.
Service times
Sunday at 10:00am
How to find us
Our church is very close to the Basilica of the Annunciation. Face away from the main gate of the Basilica and cross Annunciation Street. Walk straight one block and you will pass the convent of the Sisters of Nazareth on your right-hand side. Arrive at the T-intersection and that is the gate to the church grounds. Just walk up the stairs and you will see the church to your right.
St. John’s & St Luke’s, Haifa
Ministry
We seek to do God’s work through different activities of the church, worship, Bible studies, Sunday School, and visitations.
One of the congregation’s principal ministries to the larger Haifa community is realized through its close support and oversight of St. John’s School. Established in 1868, it was the first school to be opened in Haifa.
A unique feature of St. John’s School is its Peace-Education project which deals with educating students about their civil rights, promoting their practice of community service, and offering them constructive examples of conflict resolution. It is our school’s mission to encourage the exercise of Christian values through modeling positive behavior in teaching, whether in the classroom or beyond.
Vision
To bring more young people into the church and encourage them to stay in the Land; to promote peace and reconciliation between all those living in the Land.
St. Paul’s Church, Shefa’amr
Ministry
To educate all members and visitors with the Word of God. Youth groups, Sunday School and children’s ministry, women’s ministry, young couples group, and Bible Study. To help Christians grow together in the love and hope of Christ.
Vision
To work with our partner Diocese to build a kindergarten school near the church on land purchased with the help of our partners.
St. Saviour Church, Acre
History
In 1946 Archdeacon Campbell McInnes (later Archbishop) with Reverend Najib Cubain (later the first Palestinian to become an Anglican Bishop) were present when the foundation stone to St. Saviour’s was laid. Bishop Stewart dedicated the church in 1947. The church quickly thrived, and although a small building, the congregation was said to number 500. However, in 1948 the Christians in Acre became increasingly worried about their safety and that of their families. Many left the city, with a large number going to Lebanon. Over the next forty years, St Saviour’s, without a regular priest or congregation, fell into a state of disrepair.
It was rededicated on February 21, 2017 before a packed congregation of 700, as Archbishop Suheil was joined by His Beattitude Theophilos III and other Ecumenical leaders, as well as Anglican clergy and laity from around the Diocese.
Ministry
To offer regular worship, study, fellowship, and opportunities for service to the Christians living in Acre and its environs.
Church of Our Savior, Kufr-Yasif
Ministry
Two aims: Bible-based preaching and teaching; pastoral ministry with a team of brothers and sisters in the Church doing outreach.
Vision
Increase the ministry and encourage more people to share their gifts.
Christ the King, Tarshiha
History
On February 2, 2021, Archbishop Suheil, Bishop Hosam, and diocesan clergy gathered with Fr. Hatim Jiryis and representatives from his congregation for a moving service of consecration for the Church of Christ the King in Tarshiha, near the Lebanese border. This was an historic day in the life of the Diocese of Jerusalem, as this was the first consecration of a brand new Episcopal Church in the Holy Land since the establishment of Israel in 1948. The church and its attached parish hall are the new home to a local congregation of about 120, who had previously been worshipping for several years in a rented space. The congregation looks forward to growing and expanding its ministries in this ethnically and religiously diverse city and region.
Ministry
To offer regular worship, study, fellowship, and opportunities for service to the Christians living in Tarshiha and its environs.
St. Andrew’s Church, Ramallah
Ministry
We currently offer a midweek Youth Service, a Bible study, a Women’s Group, a Youth Group, Scout Group, Recreation Club, Sunday School, Acolyte Program and Choir. In addition, our congregation also provides leadership and pastoral support to the Arab Evangelical Episcopal School (AEES), to the Episcopal Technological & Vocational Training Center (ETVTC), and to our sister parish in Birzeit, which is constructing a retirement home and senior center. Also located on our campus is the Diocesan-sponsored Diabetes & Cardiovascular Clinic, which provides outpatient treatment to those suffering from diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Vision
To develop job programs for youth, enabling them to stay in the area; to continue our support of Christians spiritually and ministry to social needs in our region.
St. Peter’s Church, Birzeit
Ministry
Beyond holding worship services, we also offer Sunday school and pastoral care support. In addition, through the adjoining Elderly Home and Community Center, we are working to assist the needy elderly of the region with housing and community interaction while simultaneously offering meaningful jobs for our youth.
Vision
To strengthen and support an aging population; to complete the elderly housing project so that we can provide safe, affordable housing for our aging parishioners.
St. Philip’s Church, Nablus
Ministry
Our Church is named after St. Philip the Deacon, whose powerful preaching won many converts in Nablus (Samaria) to the Christian faith (Acts 8). Our ministries include an ecumenical youth group, couples’ group, women’s group, and a Sunday School with bus transport provided.
Vision
To provide Christian support and education for all Christians in Nablus. In partnership with the Good Shepherd Church, we especially seek to expand educational services by adding a school, one grade at a time, so the current Kindergarten class can stay in our Christian school. We hope to build partnerships to raise funds and support in order to make this possible.
Good Shepherd Church, Rafidia
Ministry
Our congregation provides Sunday worship, pastoral care, and community support for the minority Christian population. With St Philip’s Church, Nablus, we also offer support to St Luke’s Hospital and to the Christian National Kindergarten, which both have a long history in the region.
Vision
To develop a community center with a program of weekly activities for members of the Christian community.
St. Matthew’s Church, Zababdeh
Ministry
To preach the Gospel to all people through our words, deeds, and ministry of healing represented by the Penman Clinic which we operate in the lower floor of our Church building. To provide help and support to needy families. To provide “hopeful” activities, like piano lessons, for children.
Vision
To continue to build and strengthen more partnerships with people from around the world to help combat the poverty, suffering, and loss of hope which is leading our young people to leave in search of a more secure future.
Redeemer Church, Jabal Amman
The Arabic-Speaking Congregation
Ministry
The Church of the Redeemer is the largest parish in the Diocese, drawing parishioners from across the city of Amman, a growing city of 2 million people. We have a total of 1700 parishioners and 600 families in regular attendance. We offer four worship services, Sunday Schools, Bible Study and weekly gatherings for youth and university students. Summer camps for all age groups, training programs for Sunday School teachers, and training programs for future camp leaders. Our Rector serves as the Vice Chairman of the Ahliyyah and Bishop’s Schools in Amman where he provides pastoral support to students and staff alike.
Vision
Our vision is to reach out to all our parishioners and help them receive, understand, live, and witness to the Gospel in their lives; to continue our ministry and introduce new activities; to teach and prepare leaders to take part in the ministry of the church; build a new church in West Amman to service the community.
Service times
Sundays at 9:30am (9:00am when the service is broadcasted on Radio)
Sundays at 19:00pm
Saturdays at 19:00
Groups
Golden Age Group: Mondays 15:00 – 19:00pm
Women’s Guild: Tuesdays at 10:30am
Evening Bible Study: Wednesdays at 19:00pm
Sunday School Program: Fridays 11:00 – 13:00pm
Senior Youth Group: Fridays 19:00pm
Junior Youth Group: Saturdays 18:00 – 20:00pm
The English-Speaking Congregation
A welcoming congregation of international people from many worshipping traditions. Please join us and introduce yourself to the priest regardless of whether you are in Amman for a short of long period of time.
Ministry
Worship in English with study groups encouraging parishioners to grow in faith during their time in Jordan.
Vision
To fold new people into the supportive fellowship of Christ in an English speaking context.
Service times
Every Saturday evening at 5pm (except Easter). Easter Day (Sunday) Sunrise service at Mount Nebo at 6am.
St. Paul’s Church, Ashrafiyeh
Mission
Parish focused activities with Bible Study, worship services, home visits, visiting the sick, and various church events to support the local Christians in their faith.
Our Regular Services
Sunday Service at 9:30 a.m. (Major feasts at 10:30 a.m.)
Bible Study on Tuesday at 5 p.m. (6 p.m. in Summer)
Sunday School on Sundays at 11 – 12:30 am
Monthly meeting for women (focused on refugees) at 10 – 12:30 noon.
Women meetings are designed to meet their spiritual, social, psychological, educational and health needs.
Vision
- To grow in numbers and spirit.
- To design new programs and activities for youth and children.
- To train people for ministry.
- To increase the unity of the congregation.
- To be a neighbourhood church that attracts the neighbours to its services.
- To increase social activities.
- To min
Theodore Schneller Chapel, Marka
The chapel is part of the Theodore Schneller complex in Amman which also houses a school for boys as well as a guesthouse. It is open to students and visitors alike.
Ministry
With a congregation of students and teachers from varied backgrounds, our ministry focuses on an ecumenical witness of mutual respect and openness within the Anglican tradition. We provide special services which celebrate our roots occasionally using liturgies from Byzantine and Roman rites.
Vision
- To expand outreach to our ecumenical brothers and sisters who use the Chapel and Guesthouse.
- To continue to serve the community in Christian witness whilst respecting the traditions and beliefs of others.
Service times
Holy Eucharist on Sunday at 18:00pm
St. Luke’s Church, Marka
Ministry
Pastoral care and empowerment through youth meetings, Sunday School, Church and Diocesan summer camps, home visits and Communion, family activities and support of the poor.
Vision
- To re-acquire and bring back in to use the Old People’s Home which currently rented out and used as a school.
- To increase help and support to the Christian Community.
Savior Church, Zarka
Ministry
Worship and Pastoral support with good works outreach and ministry among the poor and needy. Youth groups, Sunday School, Women’s League, weekly meetings and a monthly session for couples.
Vision
Teach music and increase the choir. Raise funds to increase summer camp programmes for the youth.
The Good Shepherd Church, Salt
Ministry
First established in 1849, the Church holds many activities, including youth meetings, Sunday School, Bible Study, and an active Church Council which is responsbile for the financial and administrative affairs.
Vision
Renovations of the Church and Sunday School classrooms. Maintain a healthy parish in spite of the long commutes of many Parishioners. Financial assistance for families in need of scholarship support which will enable all our Christian students to attend Christian schools
Service times
Sunday at 9:30am and Friday at 6:00pm.
The Virgin Mary Episcopal Church, Irbid
Ministry
Sunday school, youth meetings, women’s groups and a school which is the first school in north Jordan to integrate blind and low vision students. The Arab Episcopal School www.aeschool.orgis our witness of peace and equality among all people regardless of disability, religion or ability to pay.
Vision
To build partnerships which will enable us to expand our ministry of love and empowerment among the people of Irbid. To grow our congregation by drawing others into our ministry, living in the image of Christ and providing meaningful employment. In May 2010, we held the dedication ceremony for our new parish building. This new, beautiful space allows our community to worship together and we thank the Lord for allowing us to build this new church.
Service times
Sunday service: Sundays 6pm
Sunday school: Sundays 6pm
Groups
Bible study: Wednesdays 6pm
Youth meeting: Thursdays 6pm
Teenagers meeting and confirmation class: Saturdays 5-8pm
Monthly women’s meeting. Day of week changes depending on the month.
St. John’s the Baptist Church, Husun
Ministry
Sunday school, youth meetings, women’s activities, and a parish magazine which parishioners publish every three months.
Vision
Develop the property we own which has an old church and an old school that need to be rebuilt into a school, starting with kindergarten. It is in a very old, tight-knit neighborhood and a local school would mean a lot to the families here.
Service times
Sunday at 7:00pm
St. Peter’s & St. Paul’s Church, Aqaba
Mission
To serve the Seafaring community and our own local and visiting congregation.
Vision
To continue to serve the Seafaring community in Aqaba.
Service times
The Church is open for private prayers in arrangement with the contact person.
All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Beirut, Lebanon
All Saints’ was founded in the 19th century, with American and British merchants and missionaries forming the core of the English-speaking congregation. The first Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem arrived from the United Kingdom via Beirut in 1841. The first baptism recorded in our archives was in 1847.
The present church building came into being through the efforts of members of that community and the Ernest Joly family who gave the land, fundraised, and constructed the church. The foundation stone was laid in 1912, but the project was delayed by the First World War. The building was finally completed and consecrated in 1929. All Saints’ International Congregation (ASIC) continues to serve an English-speaking community drawn from around 30 nationalities.
Since 1948 there has also been an Arabic-speaking congregation, mainly of Palestinian origin. Worship services in Arabic are at 9.30 on Sunday mornings, with refreshments afterwards in the Church hall downstairs. This is a good time for the sister congregations to meet in fellowship before the 11:15 am service for the International Congregation.
To this day, our congregations gather people from many different nationalities and church traditions to worship in an Anglican framework. We are a multi-ethnic Church, worshiping God through His Son Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Damascus, Syria
The Arabic-Speaking Congregation
Ministry
Pastoral care to the Sudanese, Syrian, and Iraqi populations, recently recognized by Syria as an Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Jerusalem. Social activities, women’s groups, Bible Study, Sunday School and Adult Education for those who cannot read the Bible, refugee relief services, English classes.
Vision
To establish partnerships which will assist with training and expanding ministries in education, refugee assistance, and health programs. To continue to improve the facilities in our church to accommodate growing ministries like Project Hope.
The Current Situation
Amidst the continued violence and civil unrest in Syria, while the members of the English-Speaking Congregation have evacauated the country, the Arabic-Speaking Congregation has continued to meet for weekly worship, with Archdeacon Imad Zurob leading communion at least once a month, and Layreaders leading Morning Prayer on other Sundays. Your prayers for the congregations and the people of Syria are sincerely requested and greatly appreciated. Please pray for peace throughout the Middle East.