Worldwide Vigil Reports - Australia

29th Sept 03

Yesterday we had over 150 people at our services for Morde - good media interest on radio and in print media. We played a recorded telephone interview with Fr Michael Sellors who visits Morde with Holy Communion in Ashkelon. He spoke of Morde's resilience - spiritual, emotional and mental. Of the prison guards joining in the eucharist at the passing of the peace. Of his humour - looking forward to celebrating the Queens birthday with her in London in April. Of his interest in world events. Interest in the Canterbury Archbishop Rowan Williams.

In the morning service we lit candles next to the baptism font in which Morde was baptised in 1985 (we have a large display of articles and leaflets next to the font on Morde's life for the many visitors, plus a sculpture of Morde in his tiny prison cell) - 17 candles, one for each year of captivity was lit as we prayed for his release and the disarming of the world's nuclear weapons. A cello and violin played music while we watched a simple video presentation of Morde's life events. We celebrated Holy Communion, knowing that Morde also shared likewise in gaol every 3 months. A beautiful version of the sanctus was sung as we sensed the holy and human connections between us and Mordechai. Somehow the distance between us disappeared, and we were united in the longing for 'the bread of tomorrow and the wine of the age to come'. 206 days and counting down. We wish to embrace again our brother in exile at the baptismal font, this time next year.

every blessing on your journey,

Greg Thompson
Anglican priest
St Johns Darlinghurst