Journey of the Icon
300 overseas visitors join the 125th Anniversary Celebrations in Jerusalem!
In May this year, we enjoyed a very happy weekend with over 300 overseas guests in Jerusalem for our 125th Anniversary Celebrations.
On the Friday evening the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Rod Bull hosted a Buffet Reception in the Cloisters of the Hospital, which was enjoyed by nearly 500 guests.
The Cathedral Church of the St George the Martyr provided the beautiful venue, on the Saturday, for a Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving for 125 years Service of the St John Eye Hospital. This was followed by an Investiture and Presentations, with over fifty postulants. The Cathedral was full to capacity with overseas guests, staff and members of the local community; all delighted to participate in this both moving and historic occasion.
In the evening the Chairman of the Hospital Board, Lord Vestey together with past and present Hospital Trustees, hosted a dinner at the Ambassador Hotel for Hospital staff, where we were entertained by wonderful sounds of the Choir of the Custody of the Holy Land.
Representatives from the American, Canadian, English, New Zealand, Scottish, South African and Welsh Priories attended the celebrations. Other attendees included the Great Officers of the Order, St John Fellowship and Guild members, former staff and medical volunteers
The highlight of the celebrations for us all was the arrival of 4 members of the Gaza staff including the Head of the Clinic, Dr. Juma. Life is very difficult for them all at present and we are currently exploring ways of trying to get in essential supplies during the present total closure.