Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori will celebrate Christmas in Jerusalem, preaching at Midnight Mass Dec. 24 at St. George’s Cathedral. From Episcopal News Service:
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori will make a pastoral visit to American naval personnel in Italy and she has accepted the gracious invitation of Bishop Suheil Dawani to visit and preach in the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.
Among her many activities during the two-week trip:
• On Dec. 20-22, the presiding bishop will visit Episcopal Church chaplains and navy personnel in Naples, Italy, with Bishop James Magness, bishop suffragan for federal ministries.
• The presiding bishop will attend an ecumenical service at Shepherds’ Fields in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve.
• The presiding bishop will preach at Midnight Mass on Dec. 24 at St. George’s Cathedral in Jerusalem.
• The presiding bishop will preach at St. Andrew’s in Ramallah on Dec. 30.
“This is an opportunity to support those who care for military personnel far from home at this season, and to support fellow Christians in the Land of the Holy One,” Jefferts Schori said. “I ask the prayers of Episcopalians everywhere for the continuing crisis of violence in the Middle East, as well as in our own cities and towns. Remember all who minister in the cause of peace as we celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace.”