Archimandrite Ioustinos Mamallos, the Greek Orthodox priest who was devoted to building and preserving Jacob’s Well, one of the Holy Land’s historic Christian pilgrimage sites, has died following a prolonged illness. Known simply as Abuna Ioustinos, he served as guardian of the shrine in Nablus since 1980. Born in Greece, Fr. Ioustinos arrived in the Holy Land in 1960 and served in several locations before being assigned to Jacob’s Well. He took up the post after his predecessor, Saint Philoumenos, was murdered by an axe-wielding Israeli extremist at the shrine in November 1979.
Holy God, we give thanks for the faithful life of Father Iostinos Mamallos. As we grieve his loss, help us envision a future filled with purpose and witness. Through the example of his life, illuminates us how to be your servant, honoring the legacy of Fr. Ioustinos in our daily words and deeds.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
Maysa Abu Daoud and her daughter Mary al-Najjar were among five Palestinians killed in the attack that hit the ground floor of a building in the Remal neighbourhood, in the latest Israeli violation of the ceasefire agreement. Their funeral took place last Saturday at Saint Porphyrius Church in Gaza. The two women were Palestinian Christians from Gaza City who devoted their time to helping parishioners and displaced people sheltering at the Holy Family Church.
God of the oppressed, we are broken, enraged, and grieving at Maysa’s and Mary’s death by the hands of empire. We pray for their souls and for their community as they grieve. Illuminate the policies, structures, and ideologies that led to Maysa’s and Mary’s death, and empower us to rise against them. Lord, rescue the people of Gaza from the teeth of Israeli occupation.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
Last month, 66 theologians, church leaders, heads of theological institutes, students, researchers and activists representing 34 countries gathered for the conference “Christianity Without Zionism: Mapping and Confronting Christian Zionism in Asia and Africa.” The conference was organized by the Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUSA) and Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem. At the conclusion of its work, the participants issued the “Istanbul Declaration,” affirming that Christian Zionism cannot be reduced to a mistake in interpreting religious texts, but rather represents a system that employs the Bible to justify settler colonialism and political violence. The statement also called for promoting the study of Palestinian theology, organizing authentic pilgrimages to Palestine, supporting the Palestinian economy, screening Palestinian films, and incorporating Palestinian hymns and arts into church life.
God of love, we thank you for the leadership and actions of all of our friends who are challenging unjust structures. Help us continue to discern the Kairos of our time so that we can bear witness to your presence amongst the oppressed and marginalized today. Lord, help our movement maintain mutual love united by the Holy Spirit that we may be effective agents of your liberation, peace, and justice.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
The date harvest in Jericho and Jordan Valley has begun, with expectations of a production of 29,000 tons. Jericho and Jordan Valley Governorate is one of the most important date production centers in Palestine, and dates are at the top of Palestinian agricultural exports after olives. Despite systematic attacks on farmers and agricultural lands, the production of Palestinian dates is witnessing a continuous rise and providing about 7,000 job opportunities, of which women constitute about 85%.
Dear God, we know all of creation including the crops and the harvest are a reflection of your beauty and love. We thank you for the farmers who steward your creation, and we pray for their safety and health as they endure systematic attacks on their land and harvest.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
FOSNA is calling churches and other communities to Preach Palestine again this Advent & Christmas season. You can sign up at fosna.org/preach-palestine-1 to receive "Preach Palestine: Gestating Liberation," a liturgy resource designed for preachers and liturgy leaders during the 2026 Advent season. The complete resource will be released by November 10, 2026 to those who sign up in advance, and then publicly throughout Advent on FOSNA socials.
Emmanuel, help your Church discern how to best be witnesses to your care for liberation and justice for the oppressed during the upcoming season of Advent. Lord, encourage us to hold a prophetic voice, that we may boldly speak and act against injustices. Help us practice what we preach and grant us a heart of humility as we act against the systemic sins of our world.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayers
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