3rd November 2026

Greek Orthodox Christian communities in Syria and Jordan known as the Rum, have deep historical roots in the Middle East and are among the region’s oldest Christian populations.  Today they are growing concerns over their safety amid extremist violence, targeted attacks and years of instability. In Jordan, a deadly shooting outside the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George in Hamoud on last week left 10 people dead and around 40 injured. King Abdullah II condemned the attack, while the country declared three days of national mourning. In Syria, Christian communities have faced years of violence, kidnappings and the destruction of religious sites. particularly since the outbreak of civil war in 2011.  Syria’s Christian population has also fallen dramatically, from an estimated 1.5 to two million before the civil war to around 300,000 today, as families flee violence and economic hardship. The ongoing instability has raised questions about the future of Christianity in a region where the faith first took root.

Loving God, our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters in Christ. We remember before you the Christian family in Jordan and Syria and in all places where people are persecuted for their faith. May all who live in fear know your eternal presence.  Be their protection.  Guide the leaders of your people to shepherd the flock, giving encouragement when people are disheartened, motivating people to live their lives according to your Word, celebrating the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of ordinary people, and preaching the Gospel of salvation.  May the faithfulness of your people remain strong under oppression, may they reach out in love to their oppressors, and by doing so may people be drawn closer to you.  In the life of your Church, may your will be done as it is in heaven.  Amen.

According to the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate (OFSA) in the USA, food insecurity across the State affected about 13% of residents in 2024, approximately 1.2 million people, including 330,000 children—with county rates ranging from 7.2% in Hunterdon to 19.1% in Hudson. Last Sunday, hundreds of high school students from across Monmouth County filled Howell High School football field at with yellow bags of donated food to replenish New Jersey's foodbanks. The nonprofit Dermer Dreams organized the second annual 100 Yard Food Drive Challenge. Each student leader receives 100 donation bags and has to come up with a plan to fill them up. The food will go to kitchens, shelters and other organizations across the state. Wallace Woods, with the Lunch Break nonprofit in Red Bank, said it’s a crucial helping hand in a difficult time for many. “Times are hard right now. So the more food comes, the more money Lunch Break saves to spend on another thing. Because now we're trying to get into housing and help people find housing and everything else. And this helps with that also,” Woods said.  Stacy Gregorakis, a Howell High School teacher who helped organize the event, said “It’s an amazing thing to see the youth come in and lead these type of initiatives and learn real life skills of how to manage money and market and organize these things that we learn in the classroom. And they’re actually utilizing it in the real world.”  Howell High School Principal Jeremy Braverman said the turnout showed what students can do, “Kids will step up to the plate. All you got to do is just believe in a kid and great things happen.”

You can find out more about the work of Derma Dreams here.

Glory to you Father God

to you be glory for ever.

Glory to you Son of God

to you be glory for ever.

Glory to you Spirit of God

to you be glory for ever.

Praise and glory

honour and blessing

be to you

one eternal God

Father, Son and Holy Spirit

Amen.