1

HIS BEATITUDE THE PATRIARCH OF JERUSALEM PARTICIPATES IN “BYZANTINE THESSALONIKI” CONFERENCE

On Sunday, the 24th of October/6th of November 2016, H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, accompanied by the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, and Archdeacon Markos, led the Divine Liturgy at the magnificent St Demetrius Church in Thessaloniki, having as concelebrants H.B. Archbishop Chrysostomos of Cyprus, Metropolitan Anthimos of Thessaloniki, and other Prelates.

The Divine Liturgy was held on the conclusion of the Conference on the city’s Byzantine ecclesiastical heritage. During lunch, His Beatitude spoke in Greek, see link: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/gr/2016/11/06/40580

During the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch Theophilos delivered a sermon, referring specifically to the Apostle Paul. Paul, His Beatitude said, had never known Christ during His presence on earth, but was taught the mysteries of God. “Such mysteries enlightened his mind, expanded his horizon and, mainly, fashioned his heart in perfect love and dedication to Christ, so that he denied everything, even his own life, in order to devote himself to evangelism, demonstrating zeal that exceeded that of the other Apostles”.

Though he previously adhered fervently to Jewish laws and principles, he turned this zeal to the basis “on which Christ built the new relationship, guiding him to the right path”. His earnestness, the Patriarch said, we must all emulate in our daily lives, proclaiming in deed the testament of Christ. We must, His Beatitude added, willingly carry our own cross, obeying the Lord’s advice to stand firm in the face of adversities.

After the divine Liturgy, the Most Reverend Anthimos, Metropolitan of Thessaloniki, hosted lunch in honour of H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, and all representatives of sister Churches at the Liknon restaurant in the suburbs.

In the spirit of hospitality, Metropolitan Ioannis of Langadas, Liti and Rentinin, welcomed His Beatitude and Entourage at his Holy Bishopric.

On the evening of Sunday, Patriarch Theophilos sat at a dinner hosted in His honour by the Most Reverend Barnabas, Metropolitan of Neapolis and Stavroupolis, and Metropolitan Pavlos of Drama, who offered H.B. the amount of 5.000 euro for the restoration and conservation of the Aedicula of the Holy Sepulchre.

On the morning of Monday, the 25th of October/7th of November 2016, His Beatitude visited the Monastery of Vlatades and the Centre of Paternal Studies that stands within its area.

There, He was warmly welcomed by the Hegoumen and Director of the Centre of Paternal Studies, Metropolitan Nikiforos of Amori.

Then Patriarch Theopilos was courteously welcomed to the Holy Bishopric of Serres and the Cathedral of Sts Taxiarchs by Metropolitan Theologos of Serres and the pious congregation of his Bishopric.

On His return to Thessaloniki, He was hosted to lunch at the “Macedonia Palace” where He was staying, before boarding Aegean Airlines to arrive in Tel Aviv and from there return to Jerusalem.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/hSn8-afC8Ck