Anglican Christians Experience Libyan Generosity

ACNS 4266 | MDDLE EAST | 15 MARCH 2007

March has been an historic month for Anglicans and other Christians living in Libya. The Libyan Government with the help of the Islamic Call Society handed over the historic building of the church of St. Mary's to the Episcopal Anglican Church in Tripoli. The church is situated in the beautiful Old City of Tripoli and was first built in the fifteenth century. This historic section of Tripoli contains among other monuments two churches, several old mosques and one synagogue, a historic witness to the ability of how the children of Abraham from different faiths have lived together in peace and harmony in an Islamic country.

The re-consecration of the church was led by the Rt Revd Dr. Mouneer Anis the bishop of the Episcopal/Anglican Diocese of Egypt and North Africa. Bishop Anis invited the Roman Catholic Bishop of Tripoli the Rt Revd J. Martinelli to join in the re consecration.

The Greek Orthodox bishop and other church leaders participated in this outstanding ecumenical event which was conducted in Arabic and English. Mr. Ibrahim Rabu representing the Islamic Call Society, as well as the British, Egyptian, other ambassadors and around three hundred worshippers celebrated this event together. The Anglican, Roman Catholic and the Greek Orthodox bishops consecrated the sanctuary by sprinkling water with an olive branch. The Anglican choir and the Catholic Sisters of Charity enriched the worship with their singing. This ceremony marked the official opening of the church for worship.

In his sermon Bishop Anis expressed his gratitude to the Libyan leader Colonel Gadafi and Dr. Mohammad El Sharif Secretary General of the World Islamic Call Society for this great gift that affirms the religious tolerance of the Libyan people.

Deacon Kosti H. Ketola
Episcopal/Anglican Church of Tripoli

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