On Friday, the 25^th of October/7^th of November 2014, the feast of the Great Martyr, St Demetrius the Myrrh-Bearer, was celebrated by the Patriarchate at the Church dedicated to him in the Greek Orthodox Community of Rafidia, a town in the city Nablus of Samaria, also home to Jacob’s Well.

The Divine Liturgy was led by H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem. Co-officiating were: the Most Reverend Metropolitan Kyriakos of Nazareth and their Eminences, Archbishops Aristarchos of Constantina and Theophylaktos of Jordan. Also in attendance were Hagiotaphite Hieromonks, i.e. the Abbot at Jacob’s Well and founder of the magnificent Church at the aforementioned pilgrimage site, Archimandrite Justinus, and Protosyncellus Leontios of St. Demetrius church. Priests from neighbouring towns and parishioners attended mass in piety, as the Head Cantor of the Church of the Resurrection, Archimandrite Aristovoulos, sang in Greek and the Community Choir sang in Arabic.

During the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch Theophilos preached the Word of God in Greek, saying among other things:

“St Demetrius was distinguished both for his piety and for this teaching contribution, namely the dissemination of the true faith in Christ, the Son of God and Saviour of the World. Being a faithful follower of Christ and preacher of the Gospels, Demetrius had in mind the words of the Lord to His disciples: “But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony”, (Luke 21, 12-13).

Which means that all persecutions and adversities shall have as their final outcome and result the testimony you shall give for my Gospel, so that this testimony shall test those who shall not be able to justify themselves on Judgment Day, for they had no hearkened the preaching of the gospel. The day of judgment shall be the hour “when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment”, (John 5, 28-29).

In Arabic, the speech may be reached here: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2014/11/07/8043

After the Divine Liturgy, the apolysis, and the distribution of consecrated bread (antidoron), a reception followed at the Abbot’s Quarters. At noon, lunch was offered by the town’s Municipal Council.

On the conclusion of the feast, His Beatitude visited Jacob’s Well before returning to Jerusalem.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/MJV-l4yFlfg

httpv://youtu.be/WK69ffxw1wI

On the 24^th of October/6^th of November 2014, a memorial service was held for the repose of the souls of the departed Patriarchs of Jerusalem at the chapel of the Forty Marts, which lies between St James Cathedral and the Church of the Resurrection.

Both the Vespers and the Divine Liturgy were led by His Eminence Theodosios, Archbishop of Sebaste. Co-officiating with him were Hagiotaphite Hieromonks and the vicars of St James Cathedral, fathers Issa Awad and Farah Bantour, as well as deacons chanting in the presence of Church Board members and parishioners.

On the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, consecrated wheat (kollyva) was offered at a hall adjacent to the church, where wishes were made for the repose of the soul of the late Patriarchs and for the firmness and perseverance of the mother of Churches. From there, participants proceeded to the Patriarchate, to pay their respect to Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem.

From the Secretariat-General

On Wednesday the 23^rd of October/5^th of November 2014, the Patriarchate celebrated the feast of the glorious St James the Brother of God, first Hierarch of the Church of Jerusalem, at the Cathedral dedicated to his name, which in fact serves as connecting pathway between the Hagiotaphite Brotherhood and the Church of the Resurrection.

St James the Brother of God is the Lord’s brother, being the son of Joseph, husband to Our Lady Theotokos. James was appointed by the Lord to be the first Bishop of the Church of Jerusalem, which he apostolically shepherded, writing a letter which is included in the New Testament, and leading, in 49 AD, the First Ecumenical Council. St James suffered a martyr’s death when Jews pushed him from the pinnacle of the Temple of Solomon, after he confessed that Jesus is the Son of God and Christ.

The Vespers and Divine Liturgy were led by Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem. Co-officiating with Him were the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, and Archbishop Theodosios of Sebaste. Archimandrite Stephanos led the Hagiotaphite Hieromonks. Also in attendance were the vicars at St James Cathedral, Steward Issa Awad and Presbyter Farah-Charalambos Bantour; Archdeacon Evlogios and deacon Dionysios. The cantors sang in Greek, Russian, and Arabic.

The Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem, Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis, attended the service with his esteemed wif, in the presence of Rum Orthodox parishioners, Greeks from the Greek parish, nuns and pilgrims from Greece and Russia. Patriarch Theophilos preached the Word of God in Greek.

After Communion and the conclusion of the service, the Patriarchal retinue proceeded to St Constantine’s terrace where they were joined by Prelates, and from there walked to the Patriarchate.

On the way, the heads of the Patriarchate’s Bakery, the Very Reverend Protosyncellus f. Paisios, Abbot at the Monastery of the Prophet Elias, and Nun Seraphima, Abbess at the Monastery of Seida Naya, distributed consecrated bread.

At the Patriarchate, a Deesis (Supplication) was made, and the Patriarchal Polychronism sang, before the officiants took off their sacerdotal vestments. At the Synodicon, His Beatitude addressed attendants in Greek.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/-lgri2WBO_g

On Monday, the 21^st of October/3^rd of November 2014, H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, conferred the honorary title of Crusader of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher, on Mr Petros Solomou of Cyprus, in the presence of his esteemed wide and the Most Reverend Timotheos, Metropolitan of Bostroi and Cyprus Exarch. Hagiotaphite Fathers were also in attendance. The title was bestowed in appreciation and recognition of Mr Solomou’s dedicated and selfless collaboration and his support of the recent actions of Metropolitan Timotheos towards restoring the Exarchate of the Holy Sepulcher in Nicosia.

Deeply moved, Mr Solomou thanked His Beatitude for the honor conferred on him and again pledged to dedicate his powers to the service of the Church, especially so the Church of Jerusalem.

Mrs Solomou was offered a golden pectoral cross by Patriarch Theophilos.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/cew2jKuyl9g

On Sunday, the 20^th of October/2^nd of November 2014, the Mayor of the City Kiev, Mr Vitaliy Klychko, an internationally acclaimed boxing champion, visited the Patriarchate. He was accompanied by the Ambassador of Ukraine to Israel, Mr Hennadii Nadolenko, and by Avrum Silman.

They were received by H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Hagiotaphite Fathers.

An interesting discussion took place in the context of the meeting, on the current situation in Ukraine and how it could be cured in the Ecumenical spirit of Orthodoxy, which includes all nations and, while respecting their national singularity, keeps them joined to its core.

Reference was also made to the importance of the city of Jerusalem and to the Patriarchate’s religious and peacemaking work in the wider Middle East region. The pastoral activities of late Patriarchs of Jerusalem were also brought up, i.e. Patriarchs Theophanes and Paisios, protectors of the Orthodox flock from the Latin propaganda.

Mr Vitaliy Klychko expressed his conviction that sports contribute to man’s physical wellbeing, whereas His Beatitude recalled the ancient Greeks’ motto – ‘a healthy mind in a healthy body’, adding that extreme religious and political elements must be tackled through initiatives that could keep the youth on the way to healthy destinations.

Gifts were exchanged between Mr Klychko and His Beatitude, as the Patriarch wished that the Mayor play a conciliatory role in Ukraine’s political problem through the mediation of Theotokos.

From the Secretariat-General

On Friday, the 18^th/31^st of October 2014, H.B. Theophilos, our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem, held a memorial service for the repose of the soul of Said Houri, Greek Orthodox servant of God, at the Sacred Cavern of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

Said Houri owned C.C.C. Consolidated Consolidated Contractors Company, a colossus employing 275.000 across the world. He distinguished himself for his charity work to the benefit of the Palestinian nation, as well as of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

In attendance at the memorial service was the Patriarchal Commissioner in Bethlehem, His Eminence Theophylaktos, Archbishop of Jordan; the Patriarchal Commissioner, the Most Reverend Metropolitan Isychios of Kapitolias; the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Archdeacon Evlogios, f. Issa Mousleh, Arab-speaking Mass Media Liaison; the two sons of the departed, servants at the Bethlehem pilgrimage site, Mr George Bassous, General Manager at the Convention Center– which was built and maintained by the subvention of the departed – Palestinian Autonomy Minister, Mr Siyad Bandak, and other officials of the Palestinian Autonomy.

After the service, at the hegoumen’s quarters, the son of the late Said Houri thanked His Beatitude for performing the ceremony and expressed his will to carry on the cooperation initiated by his late father with the Patriarchate.

From the Secretariat-General

On Thursday, the 17^th/30^th of October 2014, the Director of the Tantur Institute, Rev. Fr. Russell K. McDougal, accompanied by his assistant, Mr Daniel Koski, visited the Patriarchate.

The Institute, which stands to the right of the central Jerusalem street to Bethlehem, at a short distance from the Monastery of the Prophet Elias, was founded in 1970 as a center for studies on the promotion of Christian unity and support of Christians in the Holy Land.

Fr. Russell K. McDougal was received by H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem.

A discussion took place during the meeting on the incessant history of the Orthodox Patriarchate in the Holy Land and on its willingness and readiness to either participate in or undertake initiatives towards the education and financial support of Christians in the Holy Land, so that they may overcome the adversities of the political situation and remain in their ancestral homes.

His Beatitude went on to offer the Director of Tantur a copy of the “History of the Church of Jerusalem” by Chrysostomos Papadopoulos and wished him a fruitful diaconate in promoting the science of Theology and the benefit of the Holy Land’s Church members.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/HxrowFLmXKs

On the afternoon of Tuesday, the 15^th/28^th of October 2014, the 28^th of October national day was humbly celebrated at the School of St Sion.

His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, was invited to attend the celebrations, accompanied by the Patriarchal Commissioner, the Most Reverend Isychios, Metropolitan of Kapitolias; the Elder Secretary-General, His Eminence Aristarchos, Archbishop of Constantina; and the Elder Sacristan, Archbishop Isidoros of Hierapolis. His Excellency the Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem, Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis, attended the celebrations with his esteemed wife. Also in attendance were Hagiotaphite Fathers, monks and members of the Greek Parish.

Principal f. Nikolaos Zervis welcomed guests, whereas the panegyric of the day was delivered by philologist, Mr Constantinos Komodikis. Students at the school recited poems under the guidance of philologist Mrs Eleni Economou, and the Head Cantor of the Church of the Resurrection, Archimandrite Aristovoulos, led the choir in performing patriotic songs. Mrs Francesca Rocca performed solo violin pieces.

The celebrations included references on the dictatorial attacks of Italy and Germany against our country during World War II, undermining Greece’s territorial integrity and depriving Greeks of their freedom. The Greek people’s struggle to regain their freedom through hardships, losses and sacrifices was commemorated as a gift from God and their ancestors.

On the conclusion of the feast, Patriarch Theophilos praised the Principal, teachers and students at the School for their diligent and moving performance, held in homage to the fighters of 1940, urging them to carry on their work to the benefit of the Patriarchate and our nation.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/huOUH37fdds

On Tuesday the 15^th/28^th of October 2014, Doxology was held at the Church of the Resurrection, in celebration of the 28^th of October 1940 national day.

Doxology was performed in the form of extending gratitude to God for His help in liberating Greece from the burden of the 1940 Italian and German occupation, and of making a supplication for the repose of those heroically fallen for their faith and country.

Doxology was led by H.B. Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, with co-officiating Prelates and Hieromonks, in the presence of the Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem, Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis, and members of the Consulate personnel. Concelebrating with them were nuns and members of the Greek parish.

On the conclusion of Doxology, a reception was hosted at the Patriarchate, where His Beatitude addressed guests in Greek.

In Arabic, His speech may be reached here: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2014/10/28/7860

In his own speech, the Consul-General of Greece said the following:

The epos of 1940 has been indelibly imprinted on our collective memory as part of our national identity and consciousness.

Today we pay minimum tribute to the worthy guardians and keepers of our traditions, who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for the freedom of the Homeland. We stand in awe in front of the splendour of their souls, with gratitude in the face of their sacrifices, and with pride of their heroism. We honour their memory and contribution. They fulfilled their duty.

Let us now consider our own duty, and our own responsibilities vis-a-vis our History and the future of our Nation.

From the Secretariat-General

On Monday, the 14^th/27^th of October 2014, a Joint Patriarchal and Primatial Service was performed to commemorate St Demetrius the New, patron-saint of Bucharest, at the Cathedral of Sts Constantine and Helen and St Demetrius the New.

Leading the Joint Service, in accordance with the order of the Orthodox Church, was H.B. Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem. Co-officiating with Him was H.B. Patriarch Daniel of Romania, alongside fifty Primates – Metropolitans, Archbishops and Bishops of the Romanian Church – priests and eight deacons, amongst whom Archdeacon Evlogios and f. Michael of the Patriarchate of Romania.

During the Joint Service, the full communion in Christ between the two Churches – of Jerusalem and Romania – and among all Orthodox Churches across the world, was experienced as the leading Patriarchs and Archbishops were commemorated in the Diptychs.

Despite the cold weather, a crowd of faithful proceeded to venerate the holy relics and the Holy Cross brought from Jerusalem. After the recitation of the gospel, His Beatitude Theophilos preached the Word of God in English, see link: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2014/10/27/9649

His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of Theophilos spoke on the conclusion of the divine Liturgy, see link:  http://patriarhia.ro/the-faithful-pilgrims-experience-the-merciful-love-of-god-and-of-the-saints-in-their-life-7642-en.html

After His speech, Patriarch Daniel offered the Patriarch of Jerusalem a large, holy icon of the Saints of the Martyr Family of St Constantine Brβncoveanu, who suffered a martyr’s death in 1750 in Constantinople, as well as the Patriarchate of Romania’s medal of honour.

In His turn, Patriarch Theophilos offered Patriarch Daniel a holy icon of Panaghia Jerusalemite and a mother-of-pearl blessing cross, crafted in Bethlehem by Christians.

The service was followed by a processional exit from the Church, during which the faithful rushed to receive the blessing of the Patriarchs, and entry into to the Patriarchal Palace, were presents were offered to the retinue of Patriarch Theophilos.

At noon, lunch was hosted at the Marriot hotel, attended by the Romanian Prime-Minister, Mr Victor Pona, and other government officials.

In the evening, Patriarch Theophilos paid a visit to Mr Pona, who expressed his joy over the encounter between the two Churches, pointing out that the Orthodox majority in Romania coexists harmoniously with eighteen religious minorities, to which His Beatitude replied He was moved over the faith manifested by the Orthodox Romanian people, and also by the synergy between the Church and the State. Patriarch Theophilos went on to ask for Mr Pona’s support of Christians in the Middle East, now under threat and persecution.

To commemorate this visit, the Prime Minister offered His Beatitude a large blessing cross, the Romanian flag and a medal, whereas Patriarch Theophilos wished Mr Pona success in the upcoming presidential elections.

From there, His Beatitude was escorted to Bucharest airport by His Eminence Niphon, Archbishop of Tyrgobist; Protopresbyter f. Titsa; the Very Reverend Bishop Timotheos, former Head of the Romanian Church Delegation in Jerusalem; and the Greek ambassador to Romania, Mr Vassiloconstantakis.

At the airport, His Beatitude boarded a Tarom airlines plane, and landed safely in Tel Aviv.

From the Secretariat-General