THE FEAST OF ST ONOUPHRIOS AT THE PATRIARCHATE
On Wednesday the 12th/25th of June 2014, the feast of Hosios Onouphrios the Egyptian was celebrated by the Patriarchate.
The feast was observed at the Holy Monastery bearing his name, which lies at the junction of the Gesthemane-Josaphat and Gihon valleys to the south, and opposite the hill of St Sion, in the area known since the days of our Lord, Jesus Christ, as “akeldama” – field of blood, as it was purchased for the thirty silver pieces that the repentant Judas had returned.
At this Convent of the Patriarchate, His Beatitude Theophilos, Our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem, led the feast. Co-officiating were the Most Reverend Isychios, Metropolitan of Kapitolias and their Eminences, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Elder Sacristan; Methodios of Tabor, and Demetrios of Lydda. Also in attendance were Hagiotaphite Hieromonks, Archdeacon f. Evlogios and Deacon Markos; and visiting priests from the Holy Bishopric of Patras. Cantors from Greece sang in the Byzantine style, together with the Head Cantor of the Church of Sts Constantine and Helen, f. Eusebius. A crowd of faithful, monks, nuns, locals and pilgrims from Orthodox countries attended the service.
During Communion, His Beatitude Theophilos preached the Word of God in Greek.
The apolysis was followed by a procession to the Monastery’s departed proprietors. Wishes were read for their repose, and the repose of the soul of Nun Seraphima who lived at the Monastery. Also recited was a blessing wish for the products of the fig tree.
After the divine Liturgy, Abbess Paisia, courteously hosted everyone to a reception at her quarters.
From the Secretariat-Genera
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