HIS BEATITUDE THE PATRIARCH OF JERUSALEM OFFICIATES AT THE COMMUNITY OF IRBID, JORDAN
On Saturday, the 19th of November/12th of December 2015, H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, in the context of a pastoral visit to Jordan, arrived at the Patriarchate’s Bishopric in the town of Irbid in Northern Jordan, the See of the Patriarchal Commissioner in N. Jordan, Archbishop Philoumenos of Pella.
The Patriarch was warmly welcomed by the Mayoral and Prefectural Authorities, the Boy Scouts, Archbishop Philoumenos of Pella, priests and the people.
His Beatitude went on to lead the Matins and divine Liturgy having as concelebrants: Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Metropolitan Joachim of former Zambia, Archimandrite Ieronymos, hegoumen in Fhes, the parish’s vicars, presbyter Abdullah Marji and Archimandrite Christophoros, spiritual father at the Monastery of the Life-giving Spring in Dibin, and priests in Irbid. The church’s choir sang in the Byzantine style and a crowd of Orthodox attended the service. To the pious congregation, Patriarch Theophilos preached the Word of God in Greek, see link:
https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/gr/2015/12/12/29848
And in Arabic, see link:
https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2015/12/13/16820
Many among the faithful partook in the sacrament of the Holy Communion for their strengthening, blessing and salvation.
Before the apolysis, His Beatitude offered a fine icon of Theotokos for St George Church in Irbid, an engolpion to the Patriarchal Commissioner, Archbishop Philoumenos of Pella, and a pectoral cross to f. Abdullah Marji. His Eminence Philoumenos offered the Patriarch an Archbishop’s staff.
The divine Liturgy was followed by reception at the hegoumen’s quarters, where Patriarch Theophilos offered icons to all present, and was addressed by f. Abdullah on behalf of the Community and Archbishop Philoumenos. Youth representatives offered the Patriarch a commemorative plaque with Irbid’s emblem before Patriarch Theophilos addressed guests in Arabic, see link:
https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2015/12/11/16845
After the Patriarch’s speech, the Patriarchal Commissioner extended thanks for His moral and financial support of the Community of Irbid, particularly for the construction of the Church and adjacent halls.
The event was followed by lunch hosted by Archbishop Philoumenos in honour of the Patriarch and His attendants.
From the Secretariat-General