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HIS BEATITUDE THE ARCHBISHOP OF CYPRUS VISITS THE PATRIARCHATE OF JERUSALEM

On the afternoon of Monday the 13th/26th of January 2015, His Beatitude Chrysostomos, Archbishop of Cyprus, while in Tel Aviv for affairs pertaining to the Holy Archbishopric of Cyprus, extended His visit so as to venerate at the Church of the Resurrection.

The Archbishop of Cyprus, accompanied by Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, Hagiotaphite Primates and other Fathers, venerated at the Holy Apokathelosis, the All-holy and Life-giving Sepulcher of the Lord, at the katholikon, the Horrendous Golgotha, and at the Holy Cross in the Office of the Elder Sacristan, His Eminence Isidoros, Archbishop of Hierapolis.

From the Church of the Resurrection, the Archbishop of Cyprus proceeded to the Patriarchates, where He was welcomed by Patriarch Theophilos and offered a set of engolpiya and an icon of Theotokos along with wishes for good health in carrying on His valuable ecclesiastical and patriotic work.

His Beatitude the Archbishop of Cyprus thanked the Patriarch for the warm welcome, adding He was confident that the Resurrected Lord, the Life-giving Sepulcher and the Horrendous Golgotha would enhance His mission in the Church of Cyprus.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/qaxNq506sgE

 




MEETING OF THE M.E.C.C. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

On the 9th and 10th/22nd and 23rd of January 2015, the Executive Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches (M.E.C.C.) was convened at the Marriott Hotel by the Dead Sea.

Leaders or the Representatives of Leaders of the Four Families comprising the M.E.C.C. participate in this Committee, namely: the Eastern Orthodox (Patriarchates of Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem, Church of Cyprus) the Pro-Chalcedon (Armenians, Copts, Syrians), the Catholic and the Evangelical Churches.

Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem was the president of the Orthodox Church in this Committee. He was accompanied by the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, and Archimandrite f. Ieronymus, Abbot in Fhes.

The opening address of Patriarch Theophilos, in English, has been posted on the Patriarchate’s Website, at: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2015/01/22/11624

An address was also delivered by the Syrian Catholic Patriarch of Lebanon, His Eminence Ignatius, who underlined the acts of violence committed against Christians and other innocent citizens in Iraq and the whole of the Middle East. The Lutheran Bishop in Jerusalem, His Grace Munib Younan, pointed out the significance of the meeting of Churches on the site where the Lord was baptized, especially today when atrocities are being committed against the innocent, asking how the M.E.C.C. may put a halt to these acts of violence and find a balance between freedom of religion and freedom of expression.

On the conclusion of the speeches, father Michael Jallack, acting general secretary of the M.E.C.C., read his report in English, see link: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2015/01/23/11616

Also posted on the Patriarchate’s website is a video featuring the report of Ms Wafa Gousous, M.E.C.C. Director of the Amman Office, on the activity of the Office as regards Syrian and Iraqi refugees in the Zaatar camp.

The deliberations of the two-day meeting of the M.E.C.C. were concluded on Friday the 10th/23rd of January, at noon. The relevant press release will be posted here in due time.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/ZLYyCQNOVQY




FIRE BROKE OUT AT CAPERNAUM MONASTERY

At the dawn of Wednesday the 1st/14th of January 2015, fire broke out in three rooms opposite the Church of the Apostles Peter and Paul in the Monastery of Capernaum. The fire was caused by a short circuit.

Because of the fire spread, three rooms, two of which served as candle making workshops, were completely ruined.

The renovator of the Monastery, monk Irinarchos, aided by his father Stavros, on a visit to the Monastery, notified the Galilee Fire Service to distinguish the fire.

On the afternoon of the same day, Patriarch Theophilos visited the site of the fire. He was accompanied by the Patriarchal Commissioner, Metropolitan Isychios of Kapitolias, and the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina.

From the Secretariat-General




H.B. BLESSES CHRISTMAS CONCERT BY BETHLEHEM CHOIR

On the afternoon of Saturday, the 21st of December 2014/3rd of January 2015, a concert was given under the auspices of the President of the Palestinian Autonomy, Mr Mahmoud Abbas-Abu Mazen, with the blessings of Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem. The concert, performed by the “King Christ” Choir, was held at the CCI Convention Center, of the late Rum Orthodox Said Houri, under the pastoral guidance of Archbishop Theophylaktos of Jordan and the musical direction of Professor Jandalla Masri.

In attendance at the Christian Concert was the Patriarch of Jerusalem, accompanied by Hagiotaphite Fathers, namely: Metropolitan Isychios of Kapitolias, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Archimandrite Chysostomos, Archimandrite Ieronymus, Assistant Dragoman Archimandrite Bartholomew, Archimandrite Ignatius, Protosyncellus Leontios, Archdeacon Evlogios, and Arab-speaking priests as f. Issa Mousleh. Guests included Mr Hsen Araz, representing President Abu Mazen, the Director of the Divan, Minister Ziyad Bandak, Tourism Minister Ms Rula Maya, representatives of the Police, the Mayors of Bethlehem, Beit-Jala and Village of the Shepherds, the Director of the Convention Center, Mr George Bassous, Commissioners of our congregation, and faithful from the occupied areas, mainly Bethlehem, and also from the Village of the Shepherds, Beit-Jala, Nablus and Samaria, as well as from Communities of Israel i.e. Remli, represented by Archimandrite Niphon.

The Concert began with the National Anthem of the Palestinian Autonomy and the Nativity Hymn. It included an address by the Patriarch, followed by the representative of President Abu Mazen, who welcomed guests to this event held on the occasion of Christmas, a feast celebrated by the entire Palestinian people.

The concert also included Palestinian dances and songs for the Incarnate Lord by the “Bayat” Choir and “Diar” Dance Association from Malia, Northern Israel. Mr George Bassous referred to the life and contribution of the founder of the Convention Center, the late Said Houri. Mr Hsen Araz, Archbishop Theophylaktos and Mr George Bassous were honoured by His Beatitude for their contribution to the Community of the Patriarchate.

On the conclusion of the event, Mr Bassous hosted guests to dinner in memory of the late Said Houri.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/cy55tzaUd58




HIS BEATITUDE OFFERS GIFTS TO STUDENTS AT ST DEMETRIUS SCHOOL

On Friday, the 20th of December 2014/2nd of January 2015, H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, visited the Arab-speaking School of St Demetrius, which is adjacent to the building of the Patriarchate’s Central Monastery. There, in the framework of a well-organized ceremony which included a performance of the Christmas Carols, Christmas songs and other festive events, He distributed Christmas gifts to pre-school and elementary school students.

In the course of this agreeable event, Principal Samir Zananiri thanked His Beatitude for His interest in the School and for offering gifts to students, as tokens of the cordiality marking the twelve-day festive period of the Dodecaorton.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/XAoVm9FkvCE




RECEPTION AT THE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE OF ISRAEL ON THE ADVENT OF 2015

On Tuesday, the 17th/30th of December 2014, the Annual Reception of the Heads of Christian Churches in the Holy Land took place at the Presidential Palace of Israel on the advent of the new year 2015.

The meeting was hosted by the President of Israel, Mr Reuven Rivlin. In his welcoming address, Mr Rivlin pointed out that on the occasion of the Hannukah, Christmas, and the advent of the New Year, guests gather to remember those who, unjustly, and due to religious fanaticism, were wronged, exploited and killed. “We grieve and pray for them, drawing on our Holy Scriptures, as God’s creations, as images of Him as our Joint Father, on the word of the prophet Malachias”, he said.

Against crimes committed in areas of worship we protest, as does Pope Francis of Rome. This message we give in this Land, the land of the prophets David, Solomon, Jesus and his adherents, and as children of the three Abrahamic Religions, children of a single Father, condemning violence against man and extending wishes for a peaceful and blessed New Year.

Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem addressed guests in English, see link:  https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2014/12/30/10866 .

From the Secretariat-General 

 




HIS BEATITUDE PATRIARCH THEOPHILOS OF JERUSALEM ADDRESSES THE KING OF JORDAN IN KARAK

On Wednesday, the 11th/24th of December 2014, the king of Jordan visited the historical city of Karak (ancient Kyriakoupolis) in South Jordan, to meet with subjects of his kingdom, Muslims and Christians alike, on the occasion of Christmas.

Today, the city numbers approximately 10.000 inhabitants, whereas the overall Governorate of Karak has a population of 100.000, of whom 6,000 are Christians, 3,000 Orthodox among them.

The city has a long history. It belonged to the Byzantium until the year 638 AD, when the Byzantines were defeated by Caliph Omar Al-Hatab.

The meeting was held in order to further strengthen the current peaceful symbiosis between Christians and Muslims, enjoyed by the citizens of Jordan owing to the pacifying rule of King Abdullah II ibn al-Hussein, advocating religious tolerance.

His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, was the first among speakers to address guests in Arabic, through f. Issa Musleh, the Patriarchate’s Arab-speaking press liaison. The speech will be posted soon.

From the Secretariat-General




THE PATRIACH OF JERUSALEM ADDRESSES GUESTS AT AN EVENT ORGANIZED BY THE ISRAELI MINISTRY OF TOURISM

On Tuesday the 10th/23rd of December 2014, the Israeli Ministry of Tourism organized an event which had as guests representatives of Judaism and Christianity. The event was held in celebration of the Hanukah (the rededication of the Temple of Solomon), Christmas and the New Year 2015, at the Mercaz Shimson in Beit Shmuel, West Jerusalem, opposite David’s Gate and the hill of the Holy Sion.

At the event, the Israeli Minister of Tourism, Mr Uzi Landau, and his associates, hosted lunch for the representatives of Christian Churches in Jerusalem, namely the Greek Patriarch, the representative of the Latin Patriarch, the Custodian of the Holy Land, the Ethiopian Patriarch and the Representative of the Lutheran Church. Also in attendance was Mr Cesar Margiye, Head of the Office of Christian Affairs at the Foreign Ministry, representatives of the Police and the Israeli Civil Administration, Ambassadors of states, etc.

The purpose of the event was to inform guests on the efforts made by Israel’s Ministry of Tourism towards creating conditions that encourage pilgrims and tourists to visit Christian shrines in Israel.

In his address, Minister Landau said that, to the best of his knowledge, the virtues of love, tolerance and the personal pursuit of peace are of great importance to Christianity and that, in the spirit of the days, the Ministry of Tourism invites the representatives of Christian Churches in the Holy Land, to assure them that pilgrims visiting the Holy Land in view of Christmas do so in safety provided by the state of Israel.

Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem also addressed guests. His greeting may be reached here: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2014/12/23/10753

From the Secretariat-General




HIS BEATITUDE LIGHTS CHRISTMAS TREE IN THE OLD CITY OF JERUSALEM

On Friday the 6th/19th of December 2014, His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, lit the Christmas tree in the Old City of Jerusalem.

The tall, decorated tree is fixed on a terrace within the New Gate of the Old City of Jerusalem, a manger at its basis.

Leaders of Churches attended the event, together with a crowd of Christians of various denominations, rejoicing for the birth of Christ in anticipation for more peaceful conditions in the New Year – protesting at the same time for the prosecutions of Christians in the Middle East and elsewhere.

The Heads of Churches passed through the New Gate to arrive at the Notre Dame hotel. There, in the events hall, a Christmas celebration was held, organized by the Palestinian Bible Society. Guests at the event were addressed by the Patriarch in Arabic, after which the Palestinian Ambassador, Mr Issah Kassiye, read the message of President Mahmoud Abbas-Abu Mazen, wishing health, peace, the peace of Jesus Christ, freedom and safety for the residents of the Old City.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/l1cWxUQF3Eg




THE PATRIARCH OF ALEXANDRIA VISITS THE EXARCHATE OF THE HOLY SEPULCHER IN CYPRUS

On 12 December 2014, His Beatitude Theodoros, Patriarch of Alexandria, visited the Exarchate of the Holy Sepulcher in Cyprus. He was accompanied by the Most Reverend Makarios, Metropolitan of Kenya, and the Exarch of the Patriarchate of Alexandria to Cyprus, f. Athenodoros. His Beatitude was welcomed by the Most Reverend Timotheos, Metropolitan of Bostra at the entrance to the Exarchate, and together they attended mass. On the conclusion of the divine Liturgy, a supplication was made for the Patriarch.

The Most Reverend Timotheos went on to address His Beatitude Theodoros, saying how moved he was over this honour bestowed upon the Exarchate. He then pointed out the historical significance of this visit in terms of the relations between these two ancient Patriarchates, in particular for the life and contribution of the Exarchate. An engolpiyon and an icon of the Ascension were then offered to His Beatitude.

On his behalf, the Patriarch referred to the link between the two Patriarchates and to the fact that Patriarchs of Alexandria originate from the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. He then referred to his personal contact with the Holy Land, during the first years of his prelacy, through Metropolitan Theodoros of Lampi and Sfakia, his spiritual guide. The Patriarch also talked of his friendship with Metropolitan Timotheos of Bostra and Archbishop Alexios of Tiberias, praising the former for his fine work in restoring the Exarchate.

His Beatitude then blessed the faithful and the premises of the Exarchate, before attending a reception hosted for clerics and laymen alike.

On his departure, Patriarch Theodoros signed the guest book.

From the Exarchate of the Holy Sepulcher in Cyprus