On Tuesday, the 24^th of September/7^th of October 2014, the Patriarchate celebrated the memory of St Thekla the Protomartyr, a disciple of the Apostle Paul, at the 16^th century Chapel dedicated to her, within the Central Monastery.

His Beatitude Theophilos led the Vespers and divine Liturgy for the feast, as the Head Cantor of the Church of Sts Constantine and Helen, f. Eusebius, chanted in the Byzantine style, alongside students at the Patriarchal School of Sion, with concelebrant Hagiotaphite Prelates, Hieromonks, nuns and pious pilgrims.

On the conclusion of Vespers, His Beatitude and the Fathers had kollyva, wine and rusk in the court of the Central Monastery. After the divine Liturgy they gathered at the Epitropikon (Church Board Room) where the Patriarch wished the Fathers strength in their diaconate.

From the Secretariat-General

On Thursday, the 19^th of September/2^nd of October 2014, H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, blessed the monastic habit of Panayiotis Bouzas and Stavros Doukas, novices at the Patriarchal School of Sion, pointing out that as men of the cloth and students at the Patriarchal School they must obey their presbyters and spiritual fathers, attend mass more often than the other students, set a spiritual example for them and prepare to join the Hagiotaphite Brotherhood, if indeed they decide to do so. They should also enjoy, the Patriarch added, the spiritual and material blessings offered to them as residents of the Holy Land, within their capabilities and according to their age, in line with the resurrectional ethos of the Orthodox Church.
From the Secretariat-General

On Sunday, the 15^th/28^th of September 2014, the Sunday after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the exaltation of the Cross was celebrated at the Chapel of the Holy Cross, in Nazareth.

The chapel lies within a plot of the Patriarchate in the city of Nazareth, on a hill, and is known as Qasr El-Mutran. A few years ago, the chapel was renovated by the subvention of the Most Reverend Kyriakos, Metropolitan of Nazareth, and Abbot Hilarion of Mount Tabor Monastery. The cost was covered by a pious pilgrim from Greece.

His Beatitude, Patriarch Theophilos, led the divine Liturgy on the Sunday after the Exaltation. Co-officiating were the Most Reverend Kyriakos, Metropolitan of Nazareth, and Metropolitan Theologos of Serres, visiting from Greece, accompanied by priests of his Bishopric, as well as priests in Nazareth and adjacent towns. The Nazareth choir performed in the presence of a piously praying congregation.

To this crowd, His Beatitude preached the Word of God, see link: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2014/09/27/7497

On the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the Most Reverend Kyriakos, Metropolitan of Nazareth, hosted His Beatitude and many others to lunch.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/uSuTJq-ePCQ

On Sunday, the 15^th/28^th of September 2014, the Sunday after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was celebrated by the Patriarchate at the Holy Monastery of the Cross, which lies in West Jerusalem, near the Jewish Parliament.

The Monastery is located on the site where Lot had planted the wood from which the cross was made on which our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified for us.

Between 1845-1909, the Supreme Theological School of the Cross ran at this historical Monastery, offering the Church numerous and distinguished theologians and authors, both clerics and laymen.

Here, the Divine Liturgy was officiated by His Eminence Demetrios, Archbishop of Lydda. Co-officiating were Hagiotaphite Hieromonks and deacons. Faithful hailing from Jerusalem as well as pilgrims participated in piety. After Communion, the Venerable Cross was raised to the four points of the horizon and on the site where the tree for the Cross was planted by Lot.

The ceremony was followed by the sanctification of the faithful with the Venerable Wood, the apolysis, and a festive reception in the forecourt of the Monastery.

At noon, the Hegoumen, Archimandrite Claudius, hosted the Prelatic retinue to lunch.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/UXfmUSvJaeY

On Saturday, the 14^th/27^th of September 2014, the Patriarchate observed the feast of the Universal Exaltation of the Venerable Cross.

The feast commemorates the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ on Golgotha for our salvation, and the exaltation of the Lord’s cross after its discovery by Saint Helena and Archbishop Makarios of Jerusalem in 336 AD. In 629 AD, Emperor Heraclius elevated the cross on the Horrendous Golgotha after his victory against the Persians.

A. Vespers

Vespers for this universal event began on the afternoon of Friday the 13^th/26^th of September 2014, with the recitation of the Ninth Hour at the monastic Church of Sts Constantine and Helena. Vespers was followed by a procession on foot to the Church of the Resurrection, and censing at the Holy Apokathelosis (Removal from the Cross) and the Holy Sepulcher. Their Holinesses the Members of the Synod venerated at the Holy Sepulcher, whereas deacons performed censing along the holy shrines. Great Vespers was then held at the Katholikon, led by Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, as the Head Cantor, Archimandrite Aristovoulos, sang assisted by Greek chanters.

Β. The Divine Liturgy.

On the morning of this universal feast, the Patriarchal Hagiotaphite retinue began their procession to the All-holy Church of the Resurrection.

Entering the Katholikon, His Beatitude rose to the Throne, as priests put on their sacerdotal vestments amidst bells ringing. They were followed by His Beatitude and Prelates, who also wore their sacerdotal vestments for the Divine Liturgy to begin.

The service was led by H.B. Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem. Co-officiating were the Most Reverend Prelates: Metropolitan Isychios of Kapitolias; Metropolitan Timotheos of Bostra, Archbishop Theophanes of Gerassa; Archbishop Dorotheos of Avila; Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina; Archbishop Methodios of Tabor; Archbishop Theodosios of Sebaste; Archbishop Demetrios of Lydda; and Metropolitans Panteleimon of Xanthe and Theologos of Serres, visiting from the Church of Greece; Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Kition (Cyprus); Metropolitan Nikolaev of Pitirim; Metropolitan Alexander of Pereyaslav; Bishop Clement of Irbib; and Bishop Stephanos of Gomeh. Also in attendance were Hagiotaphite Hieromonks and Priests from the Orthodox Churches of Greece, Russia, Romania and Ukraine. Archimandrite Aristovoulos chanted in Greek and Russian, aided by the head cantor of Kozani, Mr Soterios Arvanitis, in the presence of the Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem, Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis and a crowd of pilgrims from Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Romania and Cyprus.

After the apolysis, a procession began towards the chapel of the discovery of the Venerable Cross. There, the Cross was raised to the four points of the horizon before being venerated on the site where it was discovered by Saint Helena.

The procession carried on thrice around the Holy Aedicula and across the Holy Apokathelosis before ascending to the Horrendous Golgotha.

There, where in 629 AD Emperor Heraclius elevated the Holy Cross, His Beatitude raised the Cross to the four points of the horizon and then placed it on the Altar above the hole where the cross had been planted.

The procession proceeded through internal stairs to the Holy Bema of the Katholikon, and from there it ascended to the Patriarchates, where His Beatitude addressed guests in Greek.

In Arabic, His speech may be read here: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2014/09/27/7497

Fraternal embracing and kissing His Beatitude’s hand sealed the feast of the universal exaltation of the Venerable Cross.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/nUAayvab5Bo

httpv://youtu.be/IVwQdKoJmNI

httpv://youtu.be/gdpFk9nJF8Y

On Saturday, the 14^th/27^th of September 2014, on the feast-day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, after the divine Liturgy at the All-holy Church of the Resurrection, His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem conferred the medal of the Supreme Taxiarch of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher on Metropolitan Theologos of Serres, Greece. This honour was bestowed in appreciation and recognition of his love of and support to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, especially through hosting youth from the Patriarchate’s flock in camps within his Bishopric, and through the organization of pilgrimage tours to the Holy Land and the Patriarchate, i.e. the current visit of members of his flock on the feast-day of the Exaltation of the Cross.

Deeply moved, the Metropolitan of Serres warmly thanked His Beatitude for this distinction which reflects on his Bishopric, and promised to carry on offering his devoted help and support in any way he can to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Holy Sepulcher and the rest of the Holy Shrines.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/L1GxybHGHCU

On Friday, the 13^th/26^th of September 2014, the Patriarchate commemorated the Inauguration of the All-holy Church of the Resurrection.

The Church of the Resurrection was inaugurated in the year 336 AD, upon its completion. Complying with the order of Emperor Constantine the Great, the Bishops gathered for the Synod in Tyros, Sidon, traveled to Jerusalem especially for that occasion.

The glorious inauguration ceremony was led by the local Bishop, Archbishop Makarios of Jerusalem. On that day, the Lord’s Holy Cross was elevated, for the crowd flocking from afar to see and exclaim “Lord, have mercy”.

The exaltation of the cross has since been celebrated by the Church on 14 September.

To observe the event, the Divine Liturgy was held at the Church of the Resurrection, led by His Eminence Theophanes, Archbishop of Gerassa.

The service was broadcast live via Internet on the Patriarchate’s Radio Station.

On the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the Prelatic Revenue paid its respects to the Patriarch at the Patriarchate.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/JkJ17793jNs

On Wednesday, the 11^th/24^th of September 2014, H.B. Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem received the Most Reverend Chrysostomos, Metropolitan of Kition, of the Church of Cyprus. Metropolitan Chrysostomos had participated in the 6^th Meeting of the Joint Commission for Anglican-Orthodox Dialogue in Jerusalem and stayed at the Patriarchate after the conclusion of the Commission’s deliberations, in order to celebrate the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Taking this opportunity, His Beatitude went on to confer on the Metropolitan of Kition the title of the Great Crusader of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher, for the incessant manifestation of his love and support of the Orthodox flock, and also for generously hosting Him during His visits in Cyprus and ministering to the Exarchy of the Holy Sepulcher in Cyprus and the Most Reverend Timotheos, Metropolitan of Bostra.

Deeply moved, Metropolitan Chrysostomos thanked His Beatitude for the honour conferred upon him, and pledged to carry on upholding the martyrical presence of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, in its struggle to safeguard its worshipping and pastoral work.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/uF6o3wXU0Gg

13th  PLENARY SESSION

Amman, Jordan, 15-23 September 2014

COMMUNIQUE

The thirteenth meeting of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church was held from 15 to 23 September 2014 in Amman, Jordan, a city with a long history related to the roots of Christianity. The meeting was generously and fraternally hosted by His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem.

 Twenty three Catholic members were present, a few were unable to attend. All the Orthodox Churches, with the exception of the Patriarchate of Bulgaria, were represented, namely the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Patriarchate of Alexandria, the Patriarchate of Antioch, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Patriarchate of Moscow, the Patriarchate of Serbia, the Patriarchate of Romania, the Patriarchate of Georgia, the Church of Cyprus, the Church of Greece, the Church of Poland, the Church of Albania and the Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia.

The Commission worked under the direction of its two co-presidents, Cardinal Kurt Koch and Metropolitan John of Pergamon, assisted by the co-secretaries, Metropolitan Gennadios of Sassima (Ecumenical Patriarchate) and Msgr. Andrea Palmieri (Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity).

At the opening plenary session held on Wednesday, 17 September in al-Makhtas, the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ, the Commission was warmly welcomed by the host, His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, who emphasized : “that there can be no genuine dialogue without the presence and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, for it is the Holy Spirit that leads us into all truth (cf. John 16:3).”

In response the two co-presidents expressed their thanks for the hospitality offered by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and underlined the difficult situation in the Middle East and the importance of holding this meeting in Amman, Jordan.

 On Saturday, 20 September, the Catholic members celebrated the Eucharist in the Parish of our Lady of Nazareth presided over by Cardinal Kurt Koch. In his homily he said that “Christians are already united in many ways and most especially in the martyrdom of our brothers and sisters belonging to different Churches and Ecclesial Communions.” Later a dinner was offered by Archbishop Giorgio Lingua, Apostolic Nuncio in Jordan and Iraq.

 On Sunday, 21 September, the Orthodox members celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral of the Entry of Christ to the Temple, of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The celebration was presided over by Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Messinia, in the presence of the Catholic members. In addressing those present, Metropolitan Benedictos of  Philadelphia conveyed ”his warm welcome to the Commission members attending the Divine Liturgy in this historical church and asked to pray for a peaceful coexistence of all Christians and religious communities in the suffering region.”  During the afternoon, the members paid a visit to the Church of the Map and Mount Nebo.

 On Monday, 22 September, His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III and His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad joined the Plenary Session of the afternoon. Prince Gzazi conveyed the greetings His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn al-Hussein of Jordan and expressed his personal and particular interest for the progress of the dialogue. He underlined that any spiritual, intellectual or theological dialogue cannot be interrupted by a crisis. He recalled the recent visit of His Holiness Pope Francis and invited the Joint Commission to meet again in the near future in Jordan. He also extended an invitation to His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to visit Jordan. His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos as well as the two co-presidents expressed the warm thanks to His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad who facilitated the organization of this meeting. Later in the evening Patriarch Theophilos III offered an official farewell dinner to the Commission members.

 On the first day of the meeting, as is customary, the Roman Catholic and Orthodox members met separately to coordinate their work. The Orthodox meeting discussed among other things the draft text produced by the Coordinating Committee in 2012, Paris, France, on “Synodality and Primacy” as it was mandated by the 12th Joint Commission in Vienna. The Catholic meeting also considered the draft text, seeking specific ways to improve the text, and respond to methodological concerns.

 Because of the many questions raised about the text, the Commission decided to draft a new text which was then discussed and revised in detail. The Commission decided that the text be referred to the next Coordinating Committee for further elaboration and improvement, in view of the next Plenary Session of the Joint Commission.

 The Commission members, being assembled near the holy sites connected with the Baptism of Jesus Christ, raised their voices to express their deep concern for and solidarity with the Christians and members of other religious traditions of this entire region who are being persecuted, displaced and murdered. They totally rejected the idea that such horrifying crimes can be justified in the name of God or of religion. They  prayed ardently for these brothers and sisters. They expressed profound gratitude to all those who are engaged in bringing relief to millions of refugees and displaced persons. They expressed thanks in particular to His Majesty King Abdullach II ibn al-Hussein of Jordan for his exemplary commitment to this task. They prayed for all the Religious Leaders of the region that they may continue to comfort their people and keep alive the vision of their return to their lands and homes, which in recent times have been occupied and often profaned. The Commission implores the international community to listen seriously to these Leaders regarding the most useful ways to intervene and protect those who are being persecuted, and to ensure the continuing vital presence of Christianity in the Middle East. They also renewed the appeal for the liberation of the Metropolitans of Aleppo, Mar Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim and Boulos Yazigi, and the priests and religious, and all those who have been kidnapped. May God shorten these difficult times and bring peace, justice and reconciliation to the whole region.

 To underline this sense of solidarity with the suffering peoples of the region, on Saturday 20 September, the co-presidents, accompanied by other members of the Commission visited a refugee center in Amman where they experienced first hand the urgent needs of the refugees and listened to the sad stories behind their tragic situation.

 The meeting of the Joint Commission was marked by a spirit of friendship and trustful collaboration. The members greatly appreciated the generous hospitality of the host Church, and they strongly commend the continuing work of the dialogue to the prayers of the faithful.

The Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.

On the afternoon of Monday, the 9^th/22^nd of September 2014, the Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches marked the conclusion of its deliberations at the Landmark hotel in Amman, where the Patriarchate of Jerusalem had hosted seventy participants representing both Churches.

In officially closing the meeting, His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, praised all delegates, the esteemed clerics and the two professors, for their copious work, and expressed the wish that the dialogue continue towards the rapprochement of the two Churches and unity in faith.

Before the closing ceremony, the Co-Presidents of the Dialogue, the Most Reverend Metropolitan John of Pergamos and the Commission’s Secretary-General, Metropolitan Gennadios of Sassima, on behalf of the Orthodox – and Cardinal Kurt Kock met in private with His Beatitude, before welcoming His Royal Highness, Prince Ghazi.

Cardinal Kurt Koch and Metropolitan John of Pergamos proceeded to welcome all participants, whereas Prince Ghazi thanked the Patriarchate of Jerusalem for hosting the Dialogue. The Prince went on to add that adversities must not let us down. Though small in size, Jordan is big in its vision and conviction for peace and justice. The Dialogue does not promise to solve the great schism, but what is important is that it carries on, twenty years after it first began, on the Lord’s Baptismal Site, the dawn of Christianity.

In His turn, the Patriarch of Jerusalem extended thanks to the Jordan Government and the King of Jordan for hosting the beginning of the Theological Dialogue in Jordan, an indisputable part of the Holy Land. Thanks to Prince Ghazi were also extended by Metropolitan John of Pergamos.

After the pause, the representatives of the two Churches carried on their deliberations for the completion of the final text for this Meeting’s topic, namely “Synodality and Primacy”.

On the conclusion of the Meeting, all participants were hosted to dinner offered by the Patriarch of Jerusalem at a restaurant in Amman.

On the following day, Tuesday the 10^th/23^rd of September, His Beatitude met with His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi in the morning. In the afternoon he convened with the Advisory Committee at the Bishopric on matters of concern to the flock.

The final communiqué of the Commission may be read here:

https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2014/09/24/9123

From the Secretariat-General