March 29, 2001

Abuna To’mie at the construction site.

Last night we met with Abuna Tomie, the priest of St. George's Greek Orthodox Church in Zababdeh. He told us about the project on which he has begun working, which is to rebuild the church in its old location. In 1974, the church was built without plans or an architect. The foundations shifted in the sands over time, and until in 1986 it was unusable. Abuna Tomie became priest in 1990, and the smaller church was built on the ancient site with funds collected from families in Zababdeh. This space is far too cramped for special services (feasts, weddings, etc.), and so they are back to working on the old spot (with an architect this time). He took us to see the work, which began again about ten days ago.

Fr. To’mie describes the project to Elizabeth.

The total cost of the project is around $50,000, and there is no help coming from the Patriarchate in Jerusalem. Consequently, they do work little by little, as money is available. The project gives work to people in Zababdeh, something desperately needed in times like these. It's a good project, one that is sorely needed, and offers more hope to us. As people lament about the vanishing Christian population (which is true), there remain these signs that people are planning for a future.