Dormition Abbey > Our Community > Hagia Maria Sion Foundation

Hagia Maria Sion Foundation

Preface

The Benedictine Abbey HAGIA MARIA SION is on the site of the Last Supper, the first Pentecost and the foundation of the Church of Jesus Christ on Mount Zion in Jerusalem. The monks dedicate their lives, their prayers and their work by following the example of Jesus Christ in the service for peace and reconciliation. For this purpose they also work at Tabgha, the place of the multiplication of loaves near the Sea of Galilee.

The Abbey Hagia Maria Sion in Jerusalem stands within walking distance of the Jewish Wailing Wall, the Christian Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Islamic El Aqsa Mosque and the Dome on the Rock. Thus the Abbey is close to important historical places of worship of all three monotheistic world religions.

No other place in the world seems to be better suited to bring together Jews, Christians and Muslims in prayer and dialogue and for conferences and seminars whilst fully respecting all differences. The promotion of mutual trust and understanding helps to enhance peace. This area on the border between Israeli and Palestinian territory was used in the past as a "neutral" place for Jews, Christians and Muslims.

As Christians we are committed to peace. As Germans we saw the spirit of humanity overcome the spirit of inhumanity after the Shoa and bring together once more Jews and Germans. As Benedictines we now want to make a special contribution towards peace to enable Israelis and Palestinians, as well as Jews, Christians and Muslims to overcome hate and violence in this region of conflicts.

For this purpose the Benedictine monks want to build an "Academy for Peace Beit Benedict" in this historical place.

Application

To achieve the aim of the FOUNDATION we

1. Abtprimas Dr. Notker Wolf OSB, Badia Primaziale Sant`Anselmo, Piazza Cavalieri di Malta 5, I-00153 Rome, Italy

2. Abbot Benedikt Lindemann OSB, Abbey Hagia Maria Sion, Mount Zion, P.O.B. 22, 91000 Jerusalem

3. Abbot Clemens Lashofer OSB for the Austrian Congregation of Benedictines, Abbey Göttweig. A-3511 Göttweig, Austria

4. Abbot Benno Malfer OSB for the Swiss Congregation of Benedictines, Abbey Muri-Gries, I-39100 Bozen 4 (BZ), Italy

5. Abbot Gregor Zasche OSB for the Bavarian Congregation of Benedictines, Abbey Schäftlarn, D-82067 Ebenhausen, Germany

6. Archabbot Jeremias Schroeder OSB for the Congregation of St. Ottilien, Archabbey D-86941 St.Ottilien, Germany

7. Abbot Anno Schönen OSB for the Congregation of Beuron, Benedictine Abbey, D-56653 Maria Laach, Germany

The Purpose of the Foundation is the development of the "Academy of Peace - Beit Benedict" in Jerusalem, the construction of the building and its maintenance, as well as the design and structure of the academic program. Furthermore the monastic life of the community at the Abbey Hagia Maria Sion, Jerusalem will be supported and secured.

The organisational structure of the Foundation consists of the Committee and the Board. Further details are described in the statutes which are part of the application.

The Foundation will be set up as a legal public and ecclesiastical foundation according to Civil Law. It will be under the supervision of the Episcopal Ordinariate Mainz.

Mainz, May 20th 2001

If you wish to support Hagia Maria Sion Foundation, please contact:

 Peter E. Geipel Stiftungen
Wilhelmstr. 12
65185 Wiesbaden
Germany
Phone +49-611-360360, Fax +49-611-3603626
eMail: Peter.E.Geipel.Stiftungen[at]t-online[dot]de