Christmas 2023 in Communities of St. James

Haifa Russian-Speaking Community

Even though Haifa did not have its usual festive decorations and events this year, the Russian-speaking Catholic community still celebrated Christmas with joy and gratitude. They gathered in their church at Kikar Paris, which they adorned with Christmas trees and a Nativity scene in the colors of the Israeli flag, to honor the birth of Jesus. They prayed for peace and for the protection of the Israeli soldiers who were on duty on Christmas night. They also enjoyed a wonderful Christmas play performed by the parishioners, who showcased their talents and creativity. The children played the roles of the angels, while Mary sang a Hebrew psalm (Shir Hama'aloth) to baby Jesus, and Joseph played the guitar. After the play, everyone shared a delicious treat and sang carols together.

Beer Sheva

The Christmas celebration this year was less festive than usual. Many community members, as they do every year, went to join their families in the north. There were also fewer students this time. Still, the chapel in Be'er Sheva was full of Christians who don't always attend church and guests from other faiths, both Christian and Jewish. The abundance of food on the table showed how much people valued being and celebrating together.

Tiberias

About 110 people attended the Christmas Eve mass on December 24 in Tiberias. The liturgy started with a procession and featured festive songs to honor the birth of Jesus, who brought us salvation and new life through his love. A young couple from the parish performed a living nativity scene during the sermon, inviting everyone to reflect on the meaning and gift of Christmas. The celebration continued in the parish hall, where we enjoyed a buffet dinner and sang Christmas carols in various languages, sharing the joy of Christmas in a friendly atmosphere.

Jaffa

The community of Jaffa celebrated Christmas with joy and gratitude. On Christmas Eve, a large crowd joined the festive liturgy, followed by a dinner and a visit from Saint Nicholas, who brought gifts and happiness to everyone. Our church hosted five more liturgies in different languages that night.

On Christmas Day, we gathered again for the Lord's Supper. We also had a festive kibud with gifts for those who had not received them yet.

Jerusalem

The Christmas celebration in the House of Sts. Simeon and Anna was a joyful and meaningful occasion. About 95 people, including Hebrew and Russian speakers from the community, as well as many Jewish friends and rabbis, attended the Mass on the 24th. The liturgy was beautiful and touching, and afterwards we all enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies at the Moadon of St. Joseph.

On the 25th, we had the Lord's Supper at 5:00 p.m., followed by a delicious buffet, thanks to the contribution of the South Korean Presbyterian community that worships at our community house on Saturdays. They brought a variety of Korean dishes for us to taste. We then gathered in the church to sing Christmas carols in different languages: Hebrew, English, French, Russian, German, Tagalog and Korean. This year, we decided to forego buying gifts and instead donate money to the needy through the Vicariate of St. James. Everyone received a chocolate package from the Parish Council as a token of appreciation.

We also had a very special guest this year: Achinoam Nini (Noa), a famous Israeli singer, and her husband spent the whole day with us, from the morning until after the mass. It was a wonderful surprise.

Haifa

The Haifa community celebrated Christmas with joy and anticipation. During Advent, they prepared themselves spiritually (with prayers, rosary, etc.) and communally (with catechesis on the holiday, its traditions and meaning, and decorating a Christmas tree). On Saturday evening, they had the Lord's Supper, which commemorates the annunciation of the angel to Mary (Luke 1:26-38), read by Ruben, who was ordained a deacon earlier this month and serves in the community. Fr. Igino preached about David and Nathan the prophet (2 Samuel 7) and highlighted God's presence in David's and our lives. He then focused on the gospel and stressed the good news that was announced to Mary, her questioning and her strong faith. He also related the gospel message to the present time, which is full of anger, hatred and despair after the events of October 7th. Fr. Igino concluded by encouraging us to be hopeful because God is with us and closer than ever.

On Sunday evening, the community gathered again to celebrate the Christmas liturgy and to witness the miracle of Christmas more closely, when God decided to intervene in history. Fr. Igino and Ruben prepared the church for the Lord's Supper and the dinner afterwards. Among the children who are preparing for their first communion, Vestla and Elisheva, whom we call the "founding generation", joined us and we were always glad to see them. The Lord's Supper began with the procession and the placing of the baby Jesus on the altar, and a song of praise to God for this special moment that we had been waiting for. After Ruben read the gospel, Fr. Igino started the sermon from the prophecy (Isaiah 9:1-6) and explained how the prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus, who is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. He also invited us to reflect on how we can be peacemakers in our society, especially in these troubled times. He ended the sermon by wishing us a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We then proceeded to the Liturgy of the Eucharist, where we received the body and blood of Christ, the source of our joy and strength. After the mass, we moved to the parish hall, where we had a delicious dinner prepared by the parishioners. We also exchanged gifts and greetings and sang more Christmas carols. It was a beautiful night of celebration and fellowship. We thank God for his love and mercy, and we pray for peace and harmony in our land. 

Latrun Russian-Speaking Community

About 50 people participated in the Night Mass of Christmas in Latrun. This year's liturgy was celebrated by fr. Michal, fr. Aleksander and fr. Jean-Luis in the chapel of the Community of Beatitudes. After the Mass a festive kibud took place in the museum of the monastery. Many thanks to Br. Anton and the Community of Beatitudes.