THE PATRIARCH OF JERUSALEM LIGHTS CHRISTMAS TREE FOR JOPPA BOY SCOUTS
On the evening of Monday, the 18th of November/1st of December 2014, H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, visited Joppa accompanied by the Elder Secretary General, His Eminence Aristarchos, Archbishop of Constantina, and the Vice-President for Economic Affairs, the Very Reverend Archimandrite Jeronymus, Abbot in Fhes. There, Patriarch Theophilos participated in the tree lighting ceremony organized by the Boy Scouts of Joppa’s Rum Orthodox Arab-speaking Community and the Mayors of Tel Aviv and Joppa, in view of Christmas and the New Year.
In attendance at the ceremony was the Abbot of the Monastery of the Archangels in Joppa, His Eminence, Archbishop Damascene; the priest of the Rum Orthodox Arab-speaking Community of Joppa, f. Constantis, the Vice-Mayor of Tel Aviv and Joppa, the President of the Boy Scouts Association, Mr David Mansour, the President of the Municipal Council, Mr Victor Zakak, and Council members – all extending wishes for a peaceful celebration of Christmas and a happy New Year.
This well-organized event was attended by approximately two thousand residents of Joppa, Israelis and Arabs.
In the framework of this event, Christmas songs were performed, praising the Nativity as a message of peace and love for mankind.
The beautiful ceremony was sealed by His Beatitude’s address in Arabic.
From the Secretariat-General
httpv://youtu.be/KXjfEYIWO-E