Vicariate

Amid the ongoing war, this year’s celebration of Easter was marked by hardship and uncertainty. Yet nothing can diminish the joy of the Resurrection. Even in difficult times, our faith remains strong and alive. Here is how the Easter feasts were celebrated throughout the Vicariate of St. James.

To all our friends around the world we wish Happy Easter from the place where Christ raised up from the death. May His resurrection be the foundation of your life.

Amid heightened security and daily restrictions, the St. James Vicariate's Catechism Team of Tel Aviv marked Palm Sunday in a deep underground bomb shelter near the central bus station, rather than the usual open-air celebration.

The annual Easter Camp for children has been cancelled due to the war. We Visited the Children in Shelters in Tel Aviv (March 26, 2026). Together with their parents we were able to organize a moment of prayer and of joy.

On the night of Ash Wednesday, 18 February, Sr. Elizabeth passed away. Her funeral took place on Friday, 20 February, at Saint Louis French Hospital in Jerusalem, followed by her burial in Ein Karem.

On Wednesday, 18 March, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa visited the Vicariate of St. James for Hebrew-Speaking Catholics at the HaRav Kook House in Jerusalem. He joined the priests’ regular monthly meeting, offering guidance and support during this challenging period of war and uncertainty.

On Saturday, March 14th, about forty members of the Kehilla gathered at the Foyer Saint Josef in Jerusalem for their annual Lenten retreat.

In these difficult days, signs of love and prayer reach us from many parts of the world. One particularly touching gesture has come from Austria: secondary school pupils from Gröbming (Styria) have written prayers for us, inspired by the Psalms. Their words remind us that faith builds bridges across great distances.

We are proud to share that Fr. Piotr Żelazko, Vicar General of the Latin Patriarchate for Hebrew‑speaking Catholics in Israel, has been awarded the prestigious title of “Man of Reconciliation 2026” by the Polish Council of Christians and Jews. This honor recognizes individuals from outside Poland who have made a significant contribution to deepening dialogue and understanding between Christians and Jews.

At least 19 people were injured on Monday when an Iranian ballistic missile struck the southern city of Beer Sheva, amid several barrages launched throughout the day. Numerous apartments were destroyed or severely damaged. Among those directly affected is one of our own families.

This weekend (20-21 February 2026) marked our second Journey of Faith. With a group of 13 participants from Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Tabgha, it was our 17+ youth who set out together this time - young adults searching for direction, meaning, and belonging. Our path led us to Haifa and Nazareth.

From 11–12 February 2026, the Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews (CRRJ) and the International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultations (IJCIC) held a joint gathering in Jerusalem marking the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate. The meeting included plenary sessions, round‑table discussions, visits to sites in the Old City, and a public evening of dialogue and music. Fr. Piotr Zelazko, the Vicar, took an active part throughout the sessions, together with Fr. Benny who also contributed musically during the Wednesday evening public event.

On the weekend of January 30-31, 2026, sixteen young participants of the St. James Vicariate, from Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Beer Sheva, gathered in Jerusalem for the first weekend of the Journey of Faith of the Vicariate. This opening encounter marked the beginning of a shared journey that will lead the youth through the different communities of the Vicariate across Israel.

The 15th issue of Et Ratzon (lit. “A Pen of Favor”, wordplay: “A Moment of Grace”) was published by HaKolel, The Institute for Jewish Studies in Jerusalem. It contains an article by Hana Bendcowsky about the Vicariate of Saint James which was written as an interview with the Vicar.

On Monday (January 20th) our Vicariate had the joy of welcoming the bishops of the Holy Land Coordination, who are visiting the region from 17 to 21 January as part of their annual pilgrimage of solidarity with the Christian communities of the Holy Land. Their gathering this year is guided by the theme “A Land of Promise: Encounter and Dialogue with People of Hope.”

The weekend of 9th and 10th of January 2026 in Haus i.E. im Ennstal (Styria, Austria) brought together music, testimony, and dialogue in a meaningful encounter with the reality of the Holy Land. Across two days, participants listened, reflected, and connected, opening space for understanding, faith, and solidarity.

The Russian speaking community in Haifa marked the Solemnity of the Epiphany with a festive Mass and a heartfelt Christmas Mystery play prepared by the faithful.

On Monday, January 5th, the Interfaith Initiative in the Negev held a study meeting at the Beer Sheva Community House. The gathering focused on the theme “And There Was Light… The Creation of the World.” Fr. Roman reports.

On Friday, December 26th, 2025, the Notre Dame Center Auditorium in Jerusalem was filled with music, laughter, and the spirit of Christmas. The annual Kids Christmas Concert, titled Hand in Hand, brought together Hebrew- and Arabic-speaking children to celebrate the humble birth of Jesus through song and fellowship. The event began at 20:00, and admission was free for all.

This Christmas was in Israel a calm and peaceful time. Our Hebrew-speaking communities in Jaffa, Tiberias, Haifa, Jerusalem and Beer Sheva, as well as the Russian-speaking communities (Tel Aviv, Haifa and Emmaus) celebrated joyfully the birth of the Messiah.