Dublin interest as worldwide audience tunes in for Consecration of Bishop Coadjutor in Jerusalem

Photo above – The consecration by laying on of hands of Bishop Hosam in St George’s Cathedral, Jerusalem.

The former Dean of St George’s Cathedral in Jerusalem, Hosam Naoum, was consecrated on Sunday (14 June) as Coadjutor Bishop of Jerusalem, in a stripped-down service at St George’s Cathedral in Jerusalem. Bishop Hosam will become the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem following the retirement of Archbishop Suheil Dawani next year.

Jerusalem holds a special place in the heart of all Christians and Anglicans from around the world would have been expected to attend; but Covid-19 travel restrictions meant that overseas visitors were kept to a minimum, with the service broadcast live over the Internet.

The Diocese of Dublin & Glendalough has enjoyed a friendship and partnership link with the Diocese of Jerusalem for five years and that link has been extended by Archbishop Michael Jackson and Archbishop Dawani.

Archbishop Suheil greets Bishop Hosam at the reception after his consecration.

In his sermon, Archbishop Suheil spoke of the meanings of the two words in Hosam Naoum’s new title. “First of all, the title of bishop means that from today onward Dean Hosam will join the ranks of episcopal leadership not only here in this diocese, but also within the worldwide Anglican Communion,” Archbishop Suheil said.

“But the second meaning is equally as important. For the title Coadjutor means that, in due course, then-Bishop Hosam will succeed me as Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem. At that same time, he will also become one of the Heads of the Churches here in the City of the Holy One. And so today is the first step towards his assuming a greater mantle of leadership within Christ’s One Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church here in Jerusalem.

“Hosam, in this coming year as Coadjutor Bishop, we must join our efforts, working hard at all levels: ecumenically, institutionally, and in our relationships with our sister churches and partners, both locally and internationally. This is the basic compass that will guide you in your future leadership.”