Bishop Sleiman Hajjar – 40th Day Divine Liturgy
April 28, 2002. Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Ottawa.
The wind that blows through a forest brings with it new life and action. Its presence gives motion, moisture, and refreshment to all the leaves and living things in it.
Today we come to pray for Bishop Sleiman Hajjar, who moved in this world as swiftly as the wind and though still very much needed, departed just as rapidly. He has left, but is very much not gone. His passage was quick, but the works, action, refreshment, change, and new life that he brought is still very much alive and active.
Even if we feel like the forest leaves that shake in all directions, we remind ourselves that though shaken we remain firmly attached to that solid tree, which is our faith in Jesus Christ our Saviour. We remain firmly attached and focused on that faith that Bishop Sleiman had worked so hard to first daily live, then to convincingly make known to all of us.
St. Paul said in his first letter to the Corinthians:
"I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. I do all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." (9:22-23)
Doing all things for all so that he may share in the blessings of the gospel. This was our beloved bishop – doing all for all.
He was like the wind that moved in and around. One day on the Atlantic and the next day on the Pacific. One day in the Middle East for meetings with his brother Melkite bishops, and another day in Europe for meetings with his brother Canadian bishops. With all and for all, to serve all – this was our beloved bishop.
He touched everyone in a slightly different way, as he recognised that every person was unique and had specific needs. He listened, then if necessary spoke. People were individuals for him needing individual attention and care.
- He was a man of great vision - a vision which he did not want to impose on others, but wanted to share and make people part of.
- He was a man with a profound and enormously deep faith. This he proclaimed with such great eloquence and conviction, changing people’s lives and leading them into the depths of God’s holiness and love.
- He was a man with no fear of personal harm, willing to risk his own life to be with and to serve others.
- He was a man with a simple and humble heart, yet a powerful mind and a crystal-like personality, that always seemed to have more glittering sides than any one could fully appreciate.
o The hidden talents that came out of him at the most surprising times were as numerous and as hidden as the talents that he seemed to try to bring out in the people that he met.
The wind of change that he brought to Canada was first seen in Ottawa, then in Montreal and the rest of Canada.
His was a pastoral vision that saw the power of the Church in the active and faith filled lives of people.
A Church must focus on the needs of the people – all people: young and old.
His gentle and committed care was extended to the Sunday school students and teachers, helping both to learn more about our amazing faith.
He dedicated his time to forming a children’s choir, so that even the little ones can sing their thanksgiving to the Lord.
He led Bible and religious studies both in the Church and in people’s homes.
He focused on the youth and young adults of the parish and always tried to make them feel that they are active members of this their Church.
He initiated a marriage preparation course to help engaged couples discuss certain aspects of their married life.
He began visiting homes after a new birth, to help the couples prepare for the baptism of their child.
These and many other activities were part of his daily schedule. They were only the groundwork to a future that was vast and comprehensive, though unfortunately now only partly realized.
The life and vision of Bishop Sleiman Hajjar does not stop here at what could have been, but now moves towards what must be.
Though we may cry at what could have been, we now also have a clearer vision of what needs to be.
The way for Church unity and pastoral work has now been clearly laid out and galvanized in our minds and hearts.
Now his work and his vision continue in the lives of many people. Those who were able to see and feel how important it is to learn, live and spread our faith are now trying to continue in the path that he has laid before us.
The wind comes with a mission, only to leave as quickly as it had arrived.
Despite our sad and confused hearts we thank God for the gift of Bishop Sleiman Hajjar to the world.
We thank God for his rich and deep faith which he shared so smoothly and so passionately with us.
We thank God for his immediate and extended family who were the source of his greatest joy.
We thank God for this gift and all the gifts that blow in and out of our lives but keep their mark firmly imprinted.