VISIT OF OTHER DENOMINATIONS TO THE PATRIARCHATE
Α. Visit of the Franciscan Custody
At 9.15 a.m. of Saturday the 27th of December 2015/9th of January 2016, the Franciscan Custody visited the Patriarchate of Jerusalem on the occasion of Christmas.
The Franciscans were welcomed by H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, in the presence of Hagiotaphite Fathers.
The Custodian of the Holy Land, f. Pierre Batista Pizzaballa, went on to address the Patriarch, saying we praise God for this year’s celebrations amidst problems and persecutions of Christians in the Holy Land and across the world. However, we do live in hope, as the Lord entered our life and our history in this very region and we have been given the privilege to live here and give testament to the world. His Beatitude replied to these words in English, see link:
https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2016/01/09/19740
Β. All Christian Communities visit the Patriarchate on the occasion of Christmas
At 10.00 a.m. of the same day, most of the Christian Communities in Jerusalem (with the exception of the Franciscans and the Armenians, who had called on the Patriarch at a different time), namely the Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem, the Syrians, the Copts, the Ethiopians, the Lutherans and the Anglicans visited the Patriarchate on the occasion of Christmas.
The Heads and members of the Communities were welcomed by His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, in the presence of Hagiotaphite Fathers.
In the context of this meeting, the Heads of Churches wished the Patriarch and the Brotherhood He heads a blessed New Year by the grace of the Lord Incarnate. They also extended wishes for collaboration for the sake of Christian flocks in Jerusalem, hoping for peace and safety in the city.
The Patriarch made a reply speech in English, see link:
https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2016/01/09/19738.
From the Secretariat-General
httpv://youtu.be/GPBIwa1TsLQ