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HIS BEATITUDE THE PATRIARCH OF JERUSALEM THEOPHILOS ADDRESSING THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST USA (NCC)

Luncheon with the Heads of Churches of Jerusalem

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Opening Remarks

His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III

 

“For when two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Mat. 18:20)

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The Jerusalem Church is ready to welcome you here in our beloved city in the Holy Land. Your presence among us comes “as the dew of Hermon were falling on Jerusalem”, as the Psalmist says (Ps.132 [133] 3).

Your solidarity is highly appreciated, for we’ve been entrusted by the Divine Providence the guardianship and service of the Holy Places. And of course, the protection of the Christian character of Jerusalem on one hand, and on the other hand, the shepherding of our beloved flock. We also join in your hope to be strengthened here today as brothers and sisters in our resolve to work unceasingly for peace, wishing you great strength as you continue to advocate for such peace upon your return to the United States.

We would like to greet you with the greeting of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, “Peace be with you”. Peace to those who are near and those who are far. It is in this spirit that we welcome you.