THE FEAST OF THE DORMITION OF THEOTOKOS AT THE PATRIARCHATE (2014)
On Thursday, the 15th/28th of August 2014, the feast of the Dormition of Our Lady the Mother of God was observed at her Tomb in Gethsemane.
His Beatitude the Patriarch of Jerusalem led the Matins and Divine Liturgy of this magnificent feast. Co-officiating were the Patriarchal Commissioner, the Very Reverend Metropolitan Isychios of Kapitolias; the Exarch of the Holy Sepulcher in Cyprus, the Very Reverend Metropolitan Timotheos of Vostroi; the Elder Secretary-General, His Eminence Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina; the Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of Lydda; and the Exarch of the Holy Sepulcher in Constantinople, His Eminence Archbishop Nektarios of Anthedon – who led the Vespers on the previous day – Hagiotaphite Hieromonks and Arab-speaking Presbyters, as well as visiting priests. Archimandrite Aristovoulos sang in Greek and Russian, whereas the Cantors of St James Cathedral sang in Arabic. In attendance was the Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem, Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis, and a crowd of faithful praying to the Ever Virgin Mary for help and protection.
During Communion, His Beatitude preached the Word of God in Greek.
After the Holy Metalepsis (partaking of wine), the distribution of the holy bread and the Apolysis, the Patriarchal Retinue and others were hosted to a reception by the Hegoumen, Archimandrite Nektarios.
From the Secretariat-General
httpv://youtu.be/1vt7saMGctQ
httpv://youtu.be/OpvS-NmvR4c