April 24, 2003

Today was rather hectic at school, with only a half day of classes, and students all very restless on the verge of the holiday. Jenin students were able to come - it seems almost a waste to make such a long trip for only for three or four classes, however, the students all seem very pleased at being together with their friends.

Today the busy liturgical schedule starts full on. Since our ministry is so ecumenical here, we will have to find a way to celebrate with each of the communities. Fr. Firas has decided that, at least for this week, he will celebrate with Fr. Aktham in the Latin Church. The Anglican bishop has sent Fr. Fadi (who is Fr. Firas' brother) for the feast, which means that community will get to worship together again, at least for the holiday. We hope the situation of a lack of permanent priest will be resolved soon.

Fr. Thomas washes feet in the Orthodox Church.

Footwashing in the Latin Church.

While Elizabeth was still at school, Marthame began this morning by attending the Orthodox footwashing service. Following the eucharist service, Fr. Thomas invited twelve members of the congregation to come forward and to have their feet washed as representative of the disciples. The internationals here are also making their effort at attending many of the services. Fr. Thomas invited two of them to come forward and have their feet washed as part of the twelve. Time and time again we are bowled over by the unconditional welcome outsiders get in this society - but then again, we weren't sure who was supposed to represent Judas.

Marthame stopped by briefly in the afternoon for the Orthodox reading of the twelve gospels, a service in which twelve sections the gospels, from the Last Supper and leading up to the burial of Christ, are read, but he couldn't stay for long because the Latin service began soon after. It, too, was a service of the eucharist and footwashing. On feast days, the Latin church regularly has a procession in which various items (bread, wine, flowers, etc.) are brought forward. Again, the internationals were there and included: one brought forth the candles in the procession.

After prayers, we went to visit with Fr. Firas' parents and to welcome Fr. Fadi to town - their service was at the same time, so we didn't get a chance to worship with them. But tomorrow's another day.