New Year's Mass, at the Prophet Eliyahu Cathedral
The Elijah the Prophet Cathedral is a Malachite Greek-Catholic church whose existence is dedicated to the Prophet Elijah, and is located on Ein Dor Street, in the lower city of Haifa
Mar Elias Cathedral in Haifa • Watch
Splendor and splendor
The New Year's Mass, on January 2022, XNUMX, was conducted with great pomp and splendor - in the presence of many dignitaries (according to the cars parked in the square...).
The church building is made of stone and in front of it is a gable on top of which rises a cross. The gable is stepped on both sides, and ends in two bell towers that also bear a cross. The church doors are made of wood and are fixed under the lintel. In the lunette is a mosaic depicting Elijah ascending to heaven in a chariot, and throwing his cloak at Elisha. Above the door is a tripori window, and on either side of it are two arched windows.
The seat of the Greek-Catholic Archbishop in Haifa
It is worth noting that the cathedral serves as the seat of the city's Greek-Catholic archbishop, who heads the Melkite community, which is the largest Christian community in Haifa.
A little history
Historically, the building was designed by the architect Samih Atallah, and was built in 1939-1938, (during the tenure of Archbishop Gregorios Hajar, today the archbishop's seat is in the Prophet Elijah Cathedral).
blue and gold
The church hall is dominated by shades of blue and gold. The hall is divided into three aisles by two rows of thin marble columns, ending in Ionic capitals. The central passage is slightly higher than the side passages and above it is a "light floor" with two rows of windows. These windows feature stained glass work of geometric bodies and plants.
Golden chandeliers
Above the west side of the central passage above the entrance door to the hall, an internal gallery is installed. The ceiling of the hall is painted in a shade of blue in which golden stars are integrated, and across it are golden wooden beams and from the ceiling hang golden chandeliers in which icons of saints are integrated.
Christ's baptism
To the left of the entrance, on a raised stone platform, stands a stone baptismal font and above it an icon depicting the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. Above the entrance hangs a large, square icon depicting Jesus and Mary the Mother of Jesus leading, and around them the four heralds pointing towards them.
Saint George
In the iconostasis there are three rows of icons, and unusually, the second icon to the left of the royal door, does not depict Elijah - to whom the church is dedicated, but St. George slaying the dragon.
cross
Above the royal door is a wooden work depicting the crucifixion of Christ. On the wall behind the altar, two icons depicting the Dormition of the Virgin (on the left) and the Transfiguration (on the right), and in the tripory window above them is a stained glass work, which shows St. George slaying the dragon (on the right), Christ with his resurrection holding his left hand in what appears to be a miracle A cross (center), and Elijah swinging his sword over one of the prophets of Baal (left).
Ceremony in Arabic accompanied by choir singing
Befitting a Greek Catholic church - the ceremony took place in the Arabic language while combining an interesting sermon and fine singing pieces by the community choir. (men and women, and conducted by an impressive lady).
The writer, Racheli Orbach, is a "new immigrant" from the state of "Gush Dan" to Haifa, during the "1st Corona War" lockdown - March 2020.
Graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of Haifa (political science + Orientalism), a master's degree from the University of Jerusalem (restorative teaching, special education), held various positions in the education system, including a supervisory and training position at the Ministry of Education in the "Division for the Integration of the Heritage of Eastern Judaism into the Curriculum".
Racheli has volunteered a lot as the coordinator and manager of the Deaf Club in "Neve Erazim" in Holon, a deal in accompanying and guiding groups of travelers abroad (including groups of the hearing impaired and deaf), and for the past two years she has been active in Nesher Rotary, and this year serves as the secretary of the club, placing special emphasis on the connection between the organization Rotary and AHA (Association of the Deaf) Haifa.
Proud of two children and five grandchildren.