ISRAEL’S COORDINATOR IN THE TERRITORIES VISITS THE PATRIARCHATE
On the morning of Monday, the 29th of November/12th of December 2016, the Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, Major General Yoav (Poli) Mordechai, accompanied by Israeli military men from the Bethlehem region, i.e. Mr Dani Zandler and Mr Kfir, and Mr Cesar Margie, responsible for the Division of Christian Affairs of the Israeli Ministry of Religious Affairs, visited the Patriarchate.
The Major General and his attendants were welcomed by H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, in the presence of Hagiotaphite Fathers.
During the visit, Mr Mordechai expressed his will to contribute to the preparations for a peaceful celebration of Christmas. His Beatitude extended thanks for facilitations provided to pilgrims and for permits issued by the Israeli army to members of the Arabic-speaking Communities of the Patriarchate from the occupied territories and to pilgrims from various Orthodox countries in order to reach Jerusalem, Bethlehem and the Jordan river for the Epiphany.
The ancient Monastery of St John the Baptist, by the Jordan river, has been renovated by the Patriarchate and awaits the approval of the Israeli army for electric power supply.
At the end of the meeting, Patriarch Theophilos offered Mr Mordechai a ceramic tray with a representation and a medal commemorating 2000 years of Christianity. Mr Morderchai offered the Patriarch an army medal.
From the Secretariat-General
httpv://youtu.be/udUkhptj0oA