Greek Catholic Church
On Sunday we went with Rita and Natalie to the Melkite Greek Catholic Church in the Old City. It’s just inside Jaffa Gate on Greek Catholic Patriarchate Street. Nothing could be more different from our church, Faith Walk World Outreach Center in Silvis, Illinois. The Greek Catholics use the Orthodox liturgy, but are part of the Roman Catholic Church. The walls and ceiling are covered with icons, and the priests carry out important parts of the service behind the iconostasis, but we in the congregation can peer in through the open door.
The priest who conducted the service is an Egyptian with a great sense of humor. We didn’t understand what he was saying, since the service was conducted in Arabic, but Art figured that he was joking about the beam of sunlight that shone brightly through a window in the domed ceiling directly on him. The people were warm, and little children played during the mass. Unlike the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches, Protestants are welcome to receive the eucharist, which we appreciated.
After that, Rita and Natalie took us on a walk through the Old City to what is arguably the most special church on earth, the Church of the Holy Sepluchre. This old crusader structure is the traditional site where Jesus was crucified, buried, and raised from the dead. It’s cavernous with many corridors, stairs and altars, but without any large cathedral style room. According to tradition, Adam’s tomb is directly beneath Calvary, so Jesus’ blood trickled from the cross down to the place where Adam’s remains lay. Even when the church is crowded with tourists, it has a very special feel.
Then we had the great pleasure of a wonderful afternoon in the home of our new Palestinian Christian friends. Our meal included stuffed leg of lamb and other Arab specialties–so delicious. The hospitality was delightfully gracious, and the conversation was interesting. Praise the Lord for another wonderful day!
