Jerusalem Sunday is a Sunday when our focus intentionally falls on the material aspects of our faith in that we are asked to be mindful of the geography of our faith and be mindful that certain events happened in time and space to a young man called Jeshuah ben Nosri.
In this remembering, we are brought to the physical places of Jesus’ ministry where he interacted with people, prayed with people and healed so many of various forms of afflictions. We are forced not simply to speak in the past but can actualize in the present a physical connection.
As companions to the members of the Anglican Church of the episcopal diocese of Jerusalem, we walk with, pray with, lament and rejoice with our sisters and brothers in Jerusalem over our shared ministries in the body of Christ. The diocese with its 23 parishes and over 22 educational and health services spread throughout Palestine, Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and the Gaza, carries out its Gospel led ministry some of the most impoverished areas of the world.
Jerusalem, our most ancient heritage is what we celebrate on Jerusalem Sunday and the Companions of Jerusalem are proud to be able to highlight its most treasured companions, those who are spoken of as the ‘living stones of Jerusalem.’. “Jerusalem is truly the mother of all who call themselves Christian, indeed all who call themselves Jew and Muslim,” Hiltz wrote in the 2014 edition of the Journal when first the day was instituted”. And, he said, as Bishop Dawani himself has said, “There is room for everyone in Jerusalem.” (Anglican Journal, 2014)
“The Anglican Church of Canada and the Diocese of Jerusalem have been companions in mission for many years,” explained Andrea Mann, global relations director. “Jerusalem Sunday is intended to lift up this relationship and celebrate the ‘living stones’ of the diocese-Arab Christians and others serving in ministries of hospitality, education, health care and reconciliation in Jerusalem, Palestine, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.” (Dr. A. Mann Director of Global Relations, Anglican Church of Canada)
Help us to make this Sunday even more of a celebration by committing yourself, and your parish to becoming a Companion or simply today of all days pray for the peace of Jerusalem. For further resources for Jerusalem Sunday an for information on how to become a Canadian Companion of Jerusalem please visit the Anglican church website
The Rev. P. G. Kirkpatrick
Chair, Advisory Council of the Canadian Companions of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem
Prayer for Jerusalem
O God, We give thanks that your dear Son has gathered us in the embrace of his redeeming love and sent us to make that love known to the ends of the earth.
We pray your continued blessings on the steadfast witness of the Church in Jerusalem and throughout the Middle East.
Give your deep joy to those who welcome the pilgrims seeking to know this land and its many peoples.
Grace those who proclaim the gospel.
Guide all who teach a new generation of young people.
Draw near to those who are sick and bless those who tend them.
Sustain the hope of all who long and labour for a just and lasting peace in the land of The Holy One.
And may the companions of Jerusalem be many and faithful.
We pray in the name of our merciful Saviour, Friend, and Brother, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
(Archbishop Fred Hiltz, 2014)
