THE NEW AMERICAN CONSUL VISITS THE PATRIARCH OF JERUSALEM.
Upon taking office, the new American Consul, Mr. Daniel Rubstein, visited His Beatitude Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III on Tuesday the 15th/28th of September, 2010.
His Beatitude welcomed the new Consul of the U.S.A. and wished him a successful career in his new office.
Within the framework of this visit, an interesting discussion took place regarding the large number of pilgrims that recently visited the Holy Lands: firstly on the feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God and secondly on the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Also discussed was the way in which these pilgrims affect peace as well as the economic situation in the Holy Land.
Further discussions included the Patriarchate’s history in the Holy Land from the first day it was established, its smooth relations with the Muslims since 638 AC, and its religious, cultural, peacekeeping and social work in the Patriarchate’s ecclesiastic domain that is in the following four areas of political jurisdiction: Israel, Jordan, Palestinian Authority and Qatar, which the Patriarchate recently took the initiative to erect a church, thus opening the way for further Christian Churches.
Another topic of discussion was the Patriarchate’s educational work which has been supported primarily by the U.S.A. i.e. it was financed by the U.S. Aid grant.
Finally, in view of the Patriarchate’s participation in the Council of the Religious Institutions of the Holy Land, the discussion moved around the Patriarchate’s contribution to the peacekeeping process in the Middle East.
His Beatitude offered the Consul the publication by Professor Dr. Demitrakopoulos entitled ‘The Site of The Baptism of Our Lord on the River Jordan’, Professor. Votokopoulos’ book on the Byzantine manuscripts of the Patriarchate and the Medal commemorating 2000 years of Christianity.
Chief-Secretary’s Office.