April 10, 2003

The poor Jenin kids. They finally get out of the city, make it through all the checkpoints, arrive in the village of Misilye, and the bus breaks down! Dissonant coincidence abounds. The good news is that they did finally make it.

Melkite Bishop Ma’alim prays with Fr. Firas along with Fr. Elias Chacour and Fr. Firas’ parents.

Bishop Ma’alim, Fr. Firas in prayer with Marthame, Fr. Aktham, Fr. Elias Chacour, and Fr. Firas’ mother in attendance.

Meanwhile, Boutros Ma'alim, the Melkite Bishop of Haifa, arrived today to see the progress on the Melkite Church. Fr. Chacour came with him. Meeting together with Fr. Firas and Fr. Aktham in town, they discussed the possibilities as well as the importance of future ecumenical cooperation. Particularly with the absence of Anglican attention, it grows more important around here. The scaled-back delegation stopped by the Convent to see the progress, to pray together, and to bless the new church bell which will call the faithful to prayer daily. They were unable to stay for lunch, which meant larger portions for us.