April 25, 2003

The cross is draped in purple fabric during Lent.

Fr. Aktham kneels as part of the Stations of the Cross.

Our guests left early this morning back to Jerusalem to witness Holy Week and Easter events before returning to Gaza. Our schedule, however, doesn't let up. This morning, it was the Latin Church and their weekly Stations of the Cross service. All Lent it's been held inside the sanctuary. Today, it was held throughout the church's grounds. Kneeling on the asphalt became somewhat more optional than in the pews. This morning the hot dusty dry khamsineen winds were blowing (the name from the word for fifty, because the winds are so hot - think Celsius, Americans), making it, perhaps appropriately, a difficult desolate experience. Walking past the cemetery with a large windblown wooden cross under a darkened sky was quite powerful.

Marthame leads worship alongside Fr. Fadi at the Anglican Church.

The Burial of Christ liturgy in the Latin Church.

The winds dissipated by afternoon, and clear skies met the evening services held in all three churches. We went to the first hour of the Latin service, where the congregation enacts the burial of Christ - the funeral of honor he never received. We then went to worship with the Anglican church - Marthame shared in leadership with Fr. Fadi, a simple service of readings, hymns, prayers, and reflections. As much as we have enjoyed the ecumenical aspect of our work, we have missed being able to worship with fellow Protestants. According to the register, the last time any service was held here was in October - too long ago.

We then went to the Orthodox church where they had just finished up their service of the burial of Christ. Marthame picked up two lanterns from Fr. Thomas for tomorrow's trip to Jerusalem. By the look of them, they've made the trip many times before. Then it was off to the Latin Convent to pick up the keys to Fr. Aktham's car (an early departure), then to Fr. Firas' to borrow his robe. A truly ecumenical venture.