Tantur Ecumenical Institute

SPECIAL EVENTS IN JERUSALEM: the past few days have been filled with several events that have brought together various groups to celebrate. On Wednesday, His Beatitude, Cardinal Pizzaballa was invited by the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers), the Carmelite Sisters, and the French Consulate, to bless the recently completed renovations at Pater Nostra Church on the Mount of Olives. This church is considered to be one of those founded by St. Helena in the 4th Century. Renovations included a restoration of the “Grotto”, the cave beneath the Church, where tradition says Jesus taught the disciples the “Lord’s Prayer”. In renovating the cave, several “tombs” were restored.
A second noteworthy event was the visitation of the Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, Sr. Simona Brambilla. Sr. Simona is the first religious sister (and woman) to head one of the Dicasteries of the Vatican. Sr. Simona spoke eloquently of the importance of consecrated religious and apostolic life in the Church—and in particular here in the Holy Land. The contribution of religious has been through the establishments of hospitals, schools, outreach programs, and contemplative prayer that has enriched the local faith communities. She acknowledged the special dedication of the various religious communities of men, women, and laity in the midst of very difficult situations, highlighting how this speaks of the Church’s ongoing presence, solidarity, and commitment over the centuries.

SOLEMN ENTRY OF PAPAL NUNCIO: His Excellency, Archbishop Giorgio Lingua, recently appointed as Apostolic Nuncio to Israel and Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine, was welcomed into the Holy Sepulcher with a "Solemn Entry". This entry included being welcomed by Cardinal Pizzaballa, the Franciscan Custos of the Holy Land (Francesco Ielpo), the Greek Orthodox and Armenian Archbishops, and various heads of Churches in Jerusalem. After the formal greetings, a solemn procession began rom Jaffa Gate through the streets of Old City Jerusalem to the Holy Sepulcher. The Procession was led by the Latin Patriarch Scouts Drum and Pipe Brigade with several hundred other religious and laity following. At the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, His Excellency was incensed and formally welcomed by the Custos. Cardinal Pizzaballa addressed the Nuncio and those gathered by stating that the Nuncio's previous experiences would be of great benefit in a part of the world that is facing very difficult challenges. In his response, Archbishop Giorgio stated how important the situation in the Holy Land is to the Vatican and the importance of honest, sincere dialog, rooted in mutual respect and respect for the various religious traditions sharing this land. After this formal and solemn ceremony, the procession (again led by the Scouts with drums and pipes) marched to the Latin Patriarchate where His Excellency was able to greet many of those who gathered. The Scouts, comprised of Catholic youth of Jerusalem, added so much joy and dignity to the day.

Yesterday, in the chilly morning hours on the Mount of Olives, Orthodox Churches following the Julian calendar gathered at the Ascension Mosque to celebrate the Feast of the Ascension around the small edicule associated with Christ’s Ascension. Clergy and faithful from different traditions filled the site as chants in Armenian, Greek, Arabic, Syriac, and Coptic echoed across the courtyard, creating a layered soundscape of prayer and devotion. Marked by the cool air of early morning and the steady movement of pilgrims, the celebration reflected both the diversity and continuity of Christian worship in Jerusalem’s holy places.

(Photos © Nizar Halloun, Tantur Ecumenical Institute)

Last evening at Tuesdays at Tantur, we were grateful to welcome for a rich and thought-provoking lecture on Ambrose of Milan, spiritual father of and a major influence on medieval theology, exploring his interactions with Jewish communities in Milan, the historical context of his rhetoric concerning Jews, and the complex legacy of the Callinicum affair. Moving from history to the present, the lecture also reflected on Nostra Aetate and how we engage today with the history of Jewish-Christian relations and dialogue. A heartfelt thank you to Geert for sharing his scholarship and insights, and to all who joined us for an evening of meaningful learning, reflection, and conversation at Tantur.

EASTER CELEBRATIONS: PART II: Christ is Risen--He is truly Risen (Al Maseehu Qam--Haqqan Qam!!!) we share with you photos from the various Oriental Churches celebration of the Easter Triduum: the Armenian Holy Thursday washing of the feet ceremony at St. James Armenian Cathedral; the Coptic "Laqqan" Service (blessing of the Water and washing of feet); The Syriac "Burial Service" of Holy Friday, and the Ethiopian Vigil of the Lights for the Easter Vigil (atop the Holy Sepulcher!).
All in all, such beautiful, prayerful, and inspiring services with such faith-filled communities. We are blessed here in the Holy Land to celebrate the richness of the various Holy Week/Easter Triduum services. Christ is Risen!

EASTER PART ONE (Gregorian Calendar): Christ is Risen! He is Truly Risen! Al Maseehu Qam--haqqan ram! Christos Anesti--Alethos anesti!!
We share with you a very small sampling of photos of the Easter Triduum in Jerusalem--in both the Rum Catholique (Melkite) and Latin traditions--from the services of Palm Sunday, Good Friday (Crucifixion and Burial in Eastern Catholic service), Holy Thursday in Garden of Gethsemane and Caiphas' house, and the Latin Easter Vigil ceremony of light at the beginning of the Easter Vigil.
This week is HOLY WEEK in the Orthodox and Oriental Traditions (Julian Calendar) so we are blessed to enjoy a "second helping" of a rich feast! Needless to say, we still long for the time when there will be that Common Date for Easter and the celebration of UNITY in the midst of diversity.

SPRING 2026: We are grateful that our prayers for a wet "rainy" season have been answered. The past two months have been a time of rain that has replenished our local water table and have given the badly needed moisture to our grounds. The olive trees are showing the growth of this year's crop of olives, the almond trees are forming their fruit, and this hill top is filled with bright spring colors--yellows, reds, purples, etc. All of this lifts our spirits as we enter into our Easter Triduum (for the Gregorian Calendar). Eid il Fiseh mubarek! (Blessed Easter!!).