THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF THEOTOKOS AT THE PATRIARCHATE

On Friday, September 8/21, 2018, the Patriarchate celebrated the Nativity of Theotokos;

1. At the Shrine of Theotokos’ Tomb in Gethsemane. The Divine Liturgy for this Feast was officiated by the Most Reverend Archbishop Theophanes of Gerassa, with co-celebrants the Hegoumen of the H. Monastery of St. Charalambos, Archimandrite Kallistos, the Hegoumen of the Shrine of Praetorion Archimandrite Dionysios and Priests from other Orthodox countries, while the chanting was delivered by the Choir Leader of the All-Holy Church of the Resurrection Mr. Constantinos Spyropoulos.

After the Divine Liturgy the Hegoumen Most Reverend Archbishop Dorotheos of Avela offered a reception at the Hegoumenion.

2. At the Holy Church of the Nativity of Theotokos in Beit Jalla, near Bethlehem, the Feast was transferred on Sunday, September 10/23, 2018. The Divine Liturgy was led by the Most Reverend Metropolitan Joachim of Hellenoupolis, with co-celebrants the Hegoumen of the H. Monastery of the Shepherds Archimandrite Ignatios, the Hegoumen of the H. Monastery of St. George Archimandrite Ananias, and Arab-speaking Priests. Participant in the prayer was the Most Reverend Archbishop Nectarios of Anthedona and Exarch of the Holy Sepulchre in Istanbul, while the chanting was delivered by the Choir of the H. Church of the Nativity of Theotokos in Beit Jealla in Arabic and Greek. The Service was attended by a large congregation of the Orthodox faithful of the town.

After the Divine Liturgy the Hegoumen offered a meal to the Episcopal entourage, the Priests and members of the parish.

From Secretariat-General