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THE PATRIARCH OF JERUSALEM DECORATES THE EXARCH OF THE ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE IN PARIS

On Sunday, October 17th/30th 2011, His Holy Beatitude our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos decorated in Paris His Eminence Archbishop of Komana Gabriel Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate with the knighthood Cross decoration of the Holy Sepulcher.

This honorary distinction took place in the Patriarchate and in the frame of a pilgrimage visit of the Archbishop of Komana Gabriel to the Holy Land together with a group of clergy and laity fromFrance under his pastoral guidance and care.

During this visit, His Eminence celebrated in the Holy Sepulcher and concelebrated with His Beatitude at the Holy Pilgrimage of the Annunciation of the Theotokos inNazareth.

Decorating His Holy of Komana, His Beatitude stated to Him that the honorary distinction that is attributed by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem only in very special occasions,  is attributed to him due to his contribution as a clergyman and Primate to the Church in general, especially to the Zion Church Mother of Churches.

Touched with emotion His Eminence of Komana thanked his Beatitude stating that in the name of his Archdiocese, he commits himself to helping the Patriarchate actively by providing a Father of the Holy Sepulcher with a scholarship to study at the Theological School of Saint Sergius inParis or in any other way, he will be advised to.

Thanking him His Beatitude stated that in due time the Patriarchate will positively use this contribution.

Chief Secretary’s Office

(translated from the original document in Greek by Mrs. Irini Valasi)

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