The Holy Synod was convened today, Thursday, April 11, at the Jerusalem Patriarchate, and was chaired by His Beatitude the Patriarch of the Holy City, Theophilos III, and attended by members of the Holy Synod.

His Beatitude discussed with the members of the Synod several issues related to ecclesiastical and pastoral administrative affairs that serve the Patriarchate, monasteries, churches, the clergy, and the communities. His Beatitude also briefed the members of the Holy Synod on the preparations for the Holy Feast of Resurrection, wishing all the members of the Holy Church in all parts of the Holy Patriarchal See of Jerusalem a blessed continuation of the Holy Fast and an acceptable spiritual effort, to enter into the Pascha joy with bliss.

The fathers of the Holy Synod also raised prayers, asking for the rest of the soul of late Archimandrite Theodoretos, the spiritual head of the Monastery of Saint Simeon in Qatamon. They also discussed the current situation in Gaza and the Monastery of Saint Porphyrius in light of the painful events, as His Beatitude spoke about the role played by the Patriarchate despite the difficult circumstances. His Beatitude and the Holy Synod also reviewed the report submitted by His Eminence the representative of the Patriarchate in Constantinople, Archbishop Nectarios of Anthedona, regarding the repairs and renovations that took place in some monasteries and shrines belonging to the Jerusalem Patriarchate in Constantinople. His Beatitude and the Holy Synod also reviewed the financial report submitted by Archimandrite Raphael, Exarch of the Holy Sepulchre in Athens. In addition to the attached report regarding the results of the recent conference of heresies that was held in Greece.

His Beatitude and the Fathers of the Holy Synod were also briefed on what was presented by His Eminence Metropolitan Timotheos of Vostra, Exarch of the Holy Sepulchre in Cyprus, as a result of his participation on behalf of His Beatitude and the Church of Jerusalem in the funeral of late Patriarch of Sofia and all Bulgaria, the blessed Neophytos.

In addition, His Beatitude made the following appointments:
– Appointment of Archimandrite Ironimos, the Patriarchal Vicar in Madaba, as a member of the Holy Synod.
– Appointment of Archimandrite Christodoulos as the Abbott of the Monastery of the Cross.
– Appointment of Deacon Simeon as supervisor of the Monastery of Saint Simon in Qatamon.

His Beatitude also highlighted the importance of the pastoral role of the clergy and the spiritual responsibility placed on them towards their spiritual children in these difficult times that we are experiencing. His Beatitude also directed the Fathers of the Holy Synod, and through them all the clergy in the Jerusalem Patriarchal See, to work for the care of souls in a spirit of responsibility that stems from zeal. An active love for the true contribution to the building and renaissance of the Church, and the preservation of the unity of the complementary relationship between the members of the Body of Christ, as well as the importance of their awareness of their spiritual and leadership role towards the Church and its children and their tireless endeavor to achieve their priestly mission as faithful servants of the Lord the Savior.

In conclusion, His Beatitude and the Fathers of the Holy Synod offered prayers and supplications to our compassionate God to bestow His peace upon our Holy Land and strengthen the souls of the believers with His Holy Spirit and bestow upon them His rich mercies.

The Holy Synod was convened on Thursday, December 28, 2023, and was presided over by His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem.

During the meeting, His Beatitude discussed the painful events and challenging times in the Holy Land, especially in Gaza. Emphasizing the significance of the Church’s role both spirituality and financially, the members highlighted the importance of intensifying prayers to end the war. In light of the holy season of Christmas, the New Year, and the Divine Epiphany, they stressed the need to cease celebratory activities, focusing solely on customary religious services and prayers.

Regarding the Church’s practical role, His Beatitude commended Bishop Alexios and Hieromonk Silas for opening the doors of the church, monastery, and affiliated facilities to shelter the civilians in Gaza. The Holy Synod praised the distinctive role of the Bishop and the Archimandrite, an integral part of our Church’s national duty throughout history.

The discussion also included the importance of providing continued support and aid to meet the bare essential humanitarian needs in these harsh conditions. The Synod applauded the efforts of His Majesty King Abdullah II and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in delivering aid to the people of Gaza. The Synod also acknowledged Bishop Makarios’s report on his humanitarian mission to assist Gaza residents through Egypt, supported by the government of Qatar.

His Beatitude and the Holy Synod exchanged messages with His Beatitude  John X, Patriarch of Antioch, regarding the restoration of ecclesiastical communion with the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. They welcomed this decision, emphasizing the importance of reinforcing fraternal relations between the sisterly patriarchates of Antioch and Jerusalem.

Additionally, they discussed the visit of His Eminence Metropolitan Athanasius Fahd and Metropolitan Ephrem of Aleppo to Jordan, expressing gratitude for the Antiochian Church’s generous support of $42,700 for our brethren in Gaza.

The Synod deliberated on various internal and external matters, making the following decisions:

1. Reconfirming the appointment of His Eminence Archbishop Philoumenos of Pella as the head of the Monastery of the Apostles in Tiberias, with Monk Basilios assisting during the Archbishop’s absence for further studies at Thessaloniki University.

2. Appointing Archimandrite Benedictus Kayyal, Hegoumen of the Monastery of Cana, as a member of the Ecclesiastical Court of Nazareth.

3. Approving the appointment of Father Nicolas Dawood for one year to serve our community in the United States through the Patriarchal Representation.

4. Approving the ordination of monk Alexander as a deacon.

5. Granting permission to the deacon Evlogios to pursue higher education in the United States.

The Holy Synod was convened today, Thursday, October 5th, at the Patriarchate’s headquarters in Jerusalem. The assembly was presided over by His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, and was attended by esteemed members of the Holy Synod.

During the assembly, His Beatitude discussed several administrative and pastoral matters concerning the service of the Patriarchate, its monasteries, churches, clergy, and the faithful. He also informed the members about his invitation from the World Council of Churches, in coordination with the Palestinian Embassy in Geneva and the Presidential Committee for Church Affairs, to attend the opening of the exhibition “Bethlehem Reborn Palestine – The Wonders of the Nativity”. The exhibition aimed to highlight the significance of the Holy Nativity Church, both religiously and historically, as well as showcase the restoration efforts and promote Christian pilgrimages to these important religious sites in the Holy Land.

His Beatitude also shared his visit to the Vatican and his meeting with His Holiness Pope Francis and the initiative H.B. Launched to contribute to resolving the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, as well as his attendance at the appointment ceremony of the Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem, His Beatitude Pierrrebatista Pizzaballa as Cardinal.

The following decisions were made during the assembly:

• Acceptance of the resignation of His Eminence Archbishop Theodosios (Atallah Hanna) of Sebastia from his duties as the Patriarchal Vicar in the city of Acre and its jurisdiction.

• Appointment of Archimandrite Silwanos Hanouna as the Patriarchal Vicar in the city of Acre and its jurisdiction.

• Appointment of Archimandrite Meletios Basal as the head of the ecclesiastical court in Acre, with Archimandrite Artemios as his deputy, along with the additional members: Father Saba Hajj and Father Elias Khoury, and Father Saba Makhoul.

• Appointment of His Eminence Archbishop Philoumenos as head of the Monastery of the Apostles in Tiberias.

• Transfer of Archimandrite Philoumenos from Jericho and appointing him as head of the St. Spyridon Monastery in Jerusalem.

• Appointment of Archimandrite Parthenios as head of the Monastery of Prophet Elisha in Jericho.

• Appointment of Father Luke Bousha in the town of Zababdeh.

• Appointment of Father Antonios Ajeeneh as a priest in the town of Al-Jdeida in Acre.

• Appointment of Father Elias Awad as a priest in the village of Al-Baqi’a in Acre.

• Appointment of Father Spyridon Shuqha as a priest in the town of Kafr Smei’ in Acre.

• Approval of His Eminence Archbishop Christophoros of Jordan’s request of the ordination of Hilmi Ibrahim Jirjes as a deacon in Jordan.

Furthermore, the Holy Synod members received an explanation from His Eminence Archbishop Christophoros regarding recent developments concerning the Christian Family Law for the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem. This modification, carried out by a committee formed by His Beatitude the Patriarch, with the support of specialist committees, aims to update and adapt the texts to the contemporary era with spiritual and national responsibility for the benefit of the congregation. The modification was ratified by the Holy Synod Assembly and will take effect on January 1, 2024.

In conclusion, His Beatitude and the members of the Synod raised their prayers for the peace and preservation of the Church, seeking protection from all divisions. They prayed to the compassionate God to send His Holy Spirit and His peace upon the world, safeguarding the children of the Church from all distress and tribulation, through the intercessions of the Holy Virgin Mary and the power of the Holy Sepulcher, the Source of Life, and all the saints.

The Holy Synod convened today, Monday, July 10, 2023, at the Jerusalem Patriarchate’s headquarters chaired by His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem.

At the start of the meeting, His Beatitude mentioned the blessed Archimandrite Philotheus, and touched on his dedicated service and sincerity since he was a young man, especially his service and zeal from the moment he was appointed Patriarchal Vicar in the Archdiocese of Ptolemais in Acre.

His Beatitude added that the late Archimandrite Philotheus devoted himself to the service of the Orthodox parish, he was a teacher of Byzantine music, and worked to build relations of love and peace between all religious denominations. For this reason, he was loved and respected by all. The scene of large crowds attending his funeral in the city of Acre and the region spoke volumes. Therefore, His Beatitude asked members of the Holy Synod to observe a minute of silence in memory of their late brother.

His Beatitude discussed with members of the Synod several issues, where His Beatitude briefed the members on the reason for convening this urgent exceptional session, that is being his recent meeting with a number of the Church council and committee members from the city of Acre and its district, where they put before His Beatitude their most important pastoral demands and ecclesiastical needs in that region, where they spoke with responsibility and fear for the interest of the parish and their close connection with their Jerusalem Church with all the challenges facing them in the region. His Beatitude highlighted to the Holy Synod Fathers the results of the discussions that took place and the proposals attributed by them, to take the appropriate decision that is in the interest of our parishioners in the Acre region.

In response to these recommendations, and in order to preserve the spirit of love and unity, His Beatitude appointed Archbishop Theodosios (Atallah Hanna) of Sebastia as the Patriarchal Vicar for the Archdiocese of Acre and its district, with full episcopal powers for this Archdiocese, as well as appointing him as the president of the Ecclesiastical Court in Acre.

In addition, Archimandrite Silwanos Hannouna of Jordan was transferred and appointed to the Metropolitan Church of St. George in Acre, aide to His Eminence Archbishop Theodosios, where he will serve as a deputy president of the Ecclesiastical Court in Acre as well.

His Beatitude and the Fathers wished His Eminence success on his new mission, which he assumes at this monumental period and time  where the faithful are faced with many challenges. The official date of handing over the duties of the Acre Archdiocese to His Eminence Theodosios is yet to be announced, which will include a festive liturgy service presided over by the Patriarch of Jerusalem with participation of Metropolitans, Archbishops and clergymen at the Metropolitan Church of St. George in Acre.

Furthermore, the Holy Synod took the following decisions:

• Transfer Archimandrite Artemios from Haifa to appoint him to the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth and as an assistant to His Eminence Metropolitan Kyriakos of Nazareth, and Vice President of the Ecclesiastical Court in Nazareth.
• Giving approval to His Eminence Archbishop Christophoros of Kyriakopolis, Archbishop of Jordan, to ordain the monks Chrysanthos Sanubar and Khalil Fawadila as deacons.
• Transfer and appoint Father Isaiah Haddad from Jordan to be an alternate priest in the Church of the Transfiguration Monastery in the city of Ramallah.
• Transfer and appoint Father Luke Bousha from Jordan to be an alternate priest in the Church of St. George in Zababdeh.

Concluding the Synod, His Beatitude along with the participating fathers raised their prayers for the peace of the world and to our beloved Holy Land, beseeching our compassionate God to send His Holy Spirit and peace to the world, to protect children of the Jerusalem Church from all adversity and harm through the intercessions of the Most Holy Mother of God, by the grace of the Life-giving Holy Tomb.

On Monday the 16th/29th of May 2023 the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem met under the Presidency of H.H.B. our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos and considered various issues of the Patriarchate, among which the following:

1. The feasts of Holy Easter and the ceremony of the Holy Light of Holy Saturday.
2. The departure to the Lord of the blessed memory Metropolitan Cornelius of Petra.
3. His Beatitude’s recent trip to Brussels and His participation as a guest in the coronation of the King of the United Kingdom Charles III.
4. The report of the deeds of the exarchate of Cyprus under the exarch Metropolitan Timotheos of Bostra.
5. The presentation of the Managing Director of the Patriarchal School of Zion Archimandrite Mattheos on the operation of the School.
6. Decided to depose from the Priesthood the currently banned from officiating the sacraments Archimandrite Damianos, former Exarch of Athens, and to excommunicate him from the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood due to his canonical offenses.

From Secretariat-General

At noon on Bright Thursday, April 7/20, 2023, the sacrament of Baptism was performed in the Grotto of Bethlehem by the Most Reverend Metropolitan Isychios of Kapitolias for the infant Angelina, daughter of the Consul at the Greek Embassy in Tel Aviv – Anastasios Konstandaras and the Consul at the Greek Consulate General in Jerusalem Mrs Christina Zacharioudaki.

In accordance with the Status Quo, the performance of the sacrament of Baptism in the Grotto constitutes a unique right by the approval of the Patriarchate for the children of Greek Diplomats in the Holy Land.

The Godmother of the baptism was Mrs Elisavet Eliadi.

The grandfather of the baptized, Ambassador Mr Georgios Zacharioudakis, and his wife, Mrs Angeliki Zacharioudaki, attended the ceremony.

His Beatitude our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos also attended the sacrament, accompanied by His Eminence Metropolitan Kyriakos of Nazareth, the Patriarchal Representative in Bethlehem, Metropolitan Benedictos of Diocaesarea, the Geronda Secretary-General, His Eminence Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina and Archdeacon Mark.

His Beatitude offered the newly-baptized infant a pectoral cross along with His wishes to her parents for her health and success.

From Secretariat-General

On Thursday, December 3/16, 2022, the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, meeting under the Presidency of H.H.B. our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem Theofilos took care of various issues and made the following decisions:

Αppointed Hierodeacon Dositheos as the caretaker of the Holy Monastery of Saint Spyridon, which is located in the Old City near Damascus Gate.

Approved the application of Mr Jiries Halil Andraus Khalifa for ordination as a deacon and then as a priest to serve the flock of the Patriarchate in Jordan.

Approved the application of Mr Jihad Aranki, a native of Taibe, for ordination as a deacon and then as a priest, to serve in the Birzet Community of the Ramallah area.

Appointed the priest Antonios Azini as Head of the Community of Zdeide.

Appointed the Elder Father Spyridon Superior in Turan and Kufr Smea.

Appointed Fr. Elian Spyridon Superior to the Aylamboun Community.

Approved the application of the novice monk Andreas Hadjistaboulidis for tonsure and consequent joining the Hagiotaphite Brotherhood.

From Secretariat-General

On Wednesday, August 25/September 7, 2022, the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem convened in its regular session under the Presidency of H.H.B. our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III.

In this session, the Holy and Sacred Synod examined various matters of the Patriarchate, such as the feasts related to the Dormition, the communication of Churches, pilgrimages and others and made the following decisions:

1) Appointed Archimandrite Benedictos Kayal as Hegoumen of the Holy Pilgrimage in Cana of Galilee.

2) Accepted the resignation of the Economos Fr Saleh Khouri from his duties as Dean Priest of the Sakhin Community of the Acre region.

3) Accepted the application for the inclusion of Hieromonk Porphyrios from the Monastery of Saint Gregory in Mount Athos in the Hagiotaphite Brotherhood.

4) Appointed Archimandrite Ananias as a substitute member of the Ecclesiastical Court of First Instance of Jerusalem.

5) Was informed by the Most Reverend Archbishop Christophoros of Kyriakoupolis about the educational activity of the Patriarchate in Karak, Jordan.

6) Praised the Most Reverend Archbishop Philoumenos of Pella for receiving a Postgraduate Diploma in Community Psychology from the University of Birzet.

From Secretariat-General

The Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem was convened yesterday, Wednesday, June 15, during a session led by the Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Theophilos III, with attendance from the members of the Holy Synod.

Several issues related to ecclesiastical and pastoral administrative affairs of the holy places were among the matters discussed. The final decisions made by the Synod were as follows:

1. His Eminence Archbishop Philomenos of Pella is appointed a pastoral supervisor and spiritual guide for the churches of the Patriarchate and the parishes in the cities of Birzeit, Jifna, Ein-Arik, Aboud and its suburbs, within the Palestinian Authority.

2. Elder Dragoman Archimandrite Matheos, who also serves as the director of the Patriarchal school of Mount Zion, is appointed as the Hegoumen of the Holy Cross Monastery, and is appointed to carry out the mission of reestablishing the Theological School of the Holy Cross Monastery, in cooperation with the Orthodox Theology faculties in Greece, alongside a Committee appointed by the Holy Synod, which is composed of His Eminence Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Archbishop Isidoros of Hierapolis, and Hierodeacon Simeon.

3. Approving the request of His Eminence Archbishop Christophoros of Kyriakoupolis, to ordain new deacons and priests in the Diocese of Jordan, as follow:

• Monk Silwanos Hanouneh to be ordained a deacon. 
• Monk Andreas Shamia to be ordained a deacon.
• Mr. Milad Rezeq to be ordained a deacon.
• Mr. Hanna Marji to be ordained a deacon. 
• Mr. Laheeb Hanhan to be ordained a deacon.

4. Appointing Archimandrite Venedictos Kayyal as the Hegoumen of the town of Zababdeh and its suburbs.

5. Appointing Archimandrite Porphyrios as Hegoumen of the Monastery of St. George (Al-Khader) in Beit Jala.

6. Appointing Deacon Dositheos at the Secretariat Office, in the Department of Information Technology.

7. Appointing Fr. Elias Khoury as an associate priest with Fr. George for the town of Rameh, near Acre.

On Wednesday, 17th / 30th of March 2022, the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem convened under the Presidency of H.H.B. our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos, considered a variety of vital issues, and made the following appointments:

1. Appointed the Exarch of the Holy Sepulchre in Constantinople, His Eminence Archbishop Nectarios of Anthedona as a member of the Holy and Sacred Synod, in recognition of his dedicated ministry and successful support of the properties and other rights of the Patriarchate in Constantinople and Chalki.
2. Appointed His Eminence Metropolitan Joachim of Helenoupolis as Hegoumen of the Shrine of the Theotokos’ Tomb in Gethsemane in replacement of His Eminence Archbishop Dorotheos of Avela who has completed a five-year successful service at this Shrine.
3. Transferred Monk Constantinos who had been serving at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to the Shrine of the Basilica in Bethlehem.

From Secretariat-General