lbillin, 03 Nov. 2020

Dear Pilgrims of Ibillin,

During these days being home-bound, a glimpse of hope shined around us with the return back of the younger children from first to fourth grades to the classrooms. With their arrival, we felt as if life is coming back to the campus. During these nine months of being home-bound, we realized that no matter what, the campus was of little importance, if any, without the students.

These times are giving us the chance to maintain and clean the campus. The maintenance team with the cleaning ladies were always present working. We have done a lot in the middle school. This old building looks nicely renewed, and effectively restored. It’s becoming the beauty of the campus. All this is because of your keen assistance and financial help. We are very grateful for your help and indeed the Pilgrims of Ibillin are an important factor in keeping hope alive. Specifically the 60K recently sent for scholarships for needy students is so very useful.

You are the Beautiful Face of America
You probably know that my response to your generosity makes me pray for you and pray for your country. You represent for us through your prayer and your assistance, the beautiful face, which is the reality of America. How often watching the disturbing newsfrom the USA whether the invasion of the Corona Virus or the racial problems there, the Pilgrims of Ibillin come to our minds as being the best ambassador of the United States. What the Pilgrims do is bring a factor of hope. To say thank you is not enough. To pray is one thing, and to wish you God’s blessing is an important factor as well. We nurture the hope that soon you would be able to come and visit us and see for yourself what unity we have here within our diversity. 

The World Needs Oneness
l do believe despite the fact that many of us have never met, we are one, and this oneness is what the world is in need of. Please continue, don’t give up with your prayers and your material assistance and your important friendship. You are reaching a wider part of the world society. It is important to know that the Mar Elias Educational Institutions exist because a large group of people are working together. Come and see, you will be most encouraged by meeting with the students. This is how we can change a whole society. We have been blessed by God and confirmed in our faith through your friendship, your prayers and your assistance.

In the near future, as well as in the far future, people in Galilee will mention with appreciation the relations we organized between our school and our friends, Pilgrims of lbillin.

Yours with affection and gratitude,

Abuna Elias Chacour
Greek Catholic Archbishop em. of Galilee