16.10.2023
People of Dublin and Glendalough Urged to Join Global Day of Prayer for Peace in the Holy Land
Prayers for all people in the Holy Land have been compiled by the Archbishop and the Diocesan Council for Mission. There is a link to the prayers below.
The Archbishop of Dublin and the Diocesan Council for Mission have called on the people of Dublin and Glendalough to join Anglicans around the world in a global day of prayer and fasting tomorrow – Tuesday October 17 – in response to the ongoing conflict in the Holy Land.
The call for October 17 to be spent in prayer and fasting has been made by the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem – the leading ecumenical group representing senior Christian leaders in the region, including the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, Archbishop Hosam Naoum.
In a statement at the weekend, the Church leaders said: “our beloved Holy Land has changed dramatically over the past week. We are witnessing a new cycle of violence with an unjustifiable attack against all civilians. Tensions continue to rise and more innocent and vulnerable people are paying the ultimate price as the dramatic level and death and destruction in Gaza clearly show.”
They added: “in support of all those who have suffered in this war and of all the families reeling from the violence, we call upon the people of our congregations and all those of goodwill around the world to observe a Day of Prayer and Fasting on Tuesday, October 17.”
In a follow–up statement, Archbishop Hosam Naoum said: “we pray without ceasing for justice, reconciliation, peace, and an end to hatred and war. We also pray for God to change the hearts of all leaders and decision–makers in our countries and around the world. For we are in dire need of hearts that love, show mercy, and are willing to live in unity with others – hearts that respect human dignity and choose life rather than death.
“We therefore call upon all our congregations, institutions, and parishioner families to join with our sister Churches in the Land of the Holy One In observing this coming Tuesday, October 17th as a day of Fasting and Prayer for peace, reconciliation, and an end to the war. We suggest organising prayer services and / or joining with other congregations in their services so that we can pray together with one heart and spirit.”
Today (Monday), Archbishop Michael Jackson urged all in Dublin and Glendalough to respond to the call to prayer tomorrow. He said: “We in Dublin and Glendalough began fundraising for al–Ahli Hospital in Gaza City in Advent 2014. The hospital is run by our partner Diocese of Jerusalem. Our link with the diocese began formally in 2016. Since then we have grown closer to the clergy and people of the diocese through visits and joint retreats. Our hearts are heavy as we watch the horror visited on the people of the Diocese of Jerusalem and all people of all faiths in the Land of the Holy One. Archbishop Hosam and his ecumenical colleagues have called on people around the globe to join them in prayer and I echo this call.”
Members of the Dublin and Glendalough Council for Mission are in touch with the Diocese of Jerusalem to see what support we can offer them. Chairman of the Council, the Revd Rob Clements said: “Eight months ago clergy from Dublin and Glendalough broke bread with our clerical colleagues from the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East in Jordan. We are devastated to see the current situation unfolding and offer our prayers, solidarity and support at this time”.
Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza City was hit by rockets at the weekend and internationally, concern has been expressed about how hospitals can operate under conditions where there is no electricity or water.
The Anglican Communion is an international family of 42 regional, national and pan–national autonomous and independent–yet–interdependent churches in more than 165 countries.
Prayers have been compiled by the Archbishop and the Council for Mission. They are available here.