Hosted by Father Nael Abu Rahmoun, the Vicar of Christ Church Nazareth, Archbishop Sarah began the day at Christ Anglican School. Founded in 1851, it is the largest school owned and operated by the Episcopal (Anglican) Diocese of Jerusalem and serves both Christian and Muslim students, providing a space for dialogue, encounter and co-existence.
Archbishop Sarah met with teachers to hear about the work of the school, before dropping in on several primary school classes to speak with pupils and join in some songs in English with the children.
The group then visited St Mary’s Well at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation. Archbishop Sarah, who was installed as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury on the Feast of the Annunciation this year, prayed at the sacred site believed to be where the Archangel Gabriel first appeared to the Virgin Mary. She also had an opportunity to meet with and talk to local Orthodox clergy.
After lunch with local ecumenical clergy from the Nazareth and Galilee area, Archbishop Sarah visited the Roman Catholic Basilica of the Annunciation. After touring the basilica with Franciscan brothers, Archbishop Sarah prayed at the Grotto of the Annunciation, which by tradition is where the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary, delivering the news that she would give birth to Jesus Christ. During the visit, the Franciscan brothers reflected on Archbishop Sarah’s installation taking place on the Feast of the Annunciation.
Archbishop Sarah and Archbishop Hosam concluded the day at Christ Anglican Church with Father Nael, local clergy and parishioners for a time of prayer and reflection.
Archbishop Sarah said: “It was deeply moving to visit Nazareth, the place where Mary received the news that she would carry Jesus into the world.
“From visiting Christ Anglican School and praying at the holy sites of the Annunciation, to meeting with local clergy and parishioners, to pray with the community at Christ Anglican Church, today has reminded me that each of us is given the gift of the Gospel to carry into the world. And like Mary, we can trust in the promises of God – that he will give us the courage and confidence to say yes to his plan for our lives.
“Nazareth is the town where Jesus spent his early life, and where later he would bring good news to the poor, proclaim freedom for captives, give sight to the blind and release the oppressed.
"I’m grateful to the Christians of Nazareth for their welcome and hospitality – and for their faith in these promises of Jesus Christ. With them, let us renew our vocation to receive the Gospel with confidence and bear witness to Christ in the world.”
