THE DORMITION OF THEOTOKOS OBSERVED IN GETHSEMANE

On Friday, the 15^th/28^th of August 2015, the Patriarchate observed the feast of the Dormition of Theotokos in Gethsemane, at the ancient Church of the Dormition of Theotokos, and at the Tomb of the Mother of God.

The panegyrical Liturgy was led by H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem. Co-officiating were Metropolitans Isychios of Kapitolias, Timotheos of Vostroi, Joachim of Zambia, visiting from the Patriarchate of Alexandria; and their Eminences, Archbishops Aristarchos of Constantina, Methodios of Tabor, Demetrios of Lydda, and Nektarios of Anthedon; Hagiotaphite Hieromonks and clerics visiting from other Orthodox Churches, Hierodeacons, Archdeacon Evlogios, deacons Markos, Dionysius and Anastasios. Archimandrite Aristovoulos sang in Greek and Mr George Kamar sang in Arabic with the cantors of St James Cathedral, in the presence of the Greek Consul-General in Jerusalem, Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis, and a crowd of local Arabic-speaking pilgrims from Israel and the Palestinian State, as well as pilgrims from Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Romania and Cyprus, placing lit candles along the stairs of the Church, as tokens of gratitude for the Virgin’s help or in request of her assistance.

Many among the faithful, having fasted for the feast, received Communion for the absolution of sins, sanctification and salvation.

Before the Apolysis scheduled for 10:30 AM, His Beatitude addressed the faithful in Greek.

On the conclusion of the service, Archimandrite Nektarios hosted a reception at the Hegoumen’s Quarters, offering refreshment s and fruit to serve as relief from the heat.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAXHwf7U9kg

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avHjGL-Nbxs