Episcopal Press and News

Good Friday Offering

Episcopal News Service. January 13, 2000 [2000-008E]

(ENS) In his annual Epiphany letter to all congregations, Presiding Bishop Frank T. Griswold has asked that Episcopalians continue to pray for their sisters and brothers in the Holy Land and to support the Good Friday Offering as an opportunity to demonstrate solidarity with Anglicans and all Christians in that region of the world.

According to Griswold, "The words of the Bishop of Jerusalem, the Rt. Rev. Riah Abu El-Assal, make plain the importance of the Good Friday Offering: 'I would like to take the opportunity to share my joy and express my appreciation to the Episcopal Church for working so diligently to support the Diocese of Jerusalem. I have no words to express my deep gratitude. Kindly convey my personal thanks and that of the diocese, clergy and laity to all our brothers and sisters in Christ who succeeded in breaking this record.'"

Since its inception, the offering has provided financial support to numerous ministries throughout the Middle East. Such as, the Boulac Social Service Center at All Saints' Cathedral in Egypt and a variety of programs in aid of Sudanese refugees in Eritrea and Ethiopia.

Good Friday Offering materials are available through Episcopal Parish Services at 800/903-5544.