Keeping our readers up to date with the Patriarchate’s participation in the Gathering of the Heads of Churches in Constantinople, we would like to inform you that His Beatitude Theophilos, our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem, accompanied by His retinue, arrived safely in Constantinople on the evening of Lean Wednesday, the 20^th of February/5^th of March 2014.

Acting on behalf of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, the Most Reverend Iacovos, Metropolitan of Princes islands, and Hierodeacon Gregorios welcomed His Beatitude at the airport and escorted him to the Hilton Hotel to rest on the first day of His arrival.

The following day, Thursday the 21^st of February/6^th of March 2014, the Pan-Orthodox Gathering convened at the Church of St George the Great Martyr, in the Phanar.

Participating in the Gathering are all the Heads of Orthodox Churches, with the exception of the Patriarch of Antioch, who is represented by a delegate, and the Church of the Check Republic, which is troubled by leadership problems.

A prayer requesting the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit was followed by a speech by His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

After welcoming the Heads of Churches, the Ecumenical Patriarch referred to previously held Gatherings in Jerusalem, Patmos, and elsewhere, aimed at providing an answer, by means of the declared unity of the Orthodox Church, to problems facing man today, especially those recently emerged, i.e. technology, bioethics, the natural environment and society’s economic structure. The unity of the Orthodox Church is secured through the long established institution of the synodicity of the Orthodox Church. Through this institution, Orthodox Churches have, for the past fifty years, since the days of the late Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras, been preparing for a series of Pan-Orthodox Conferences. In keeping with this tradition, the present Gathering will look into the topics to be discussed during the future Great Synod of Orthodoxy, and into the Message to be announced to the contemporary world.

Following the address of the Ecumenical Patriarch, each of the Heads of the Orthodox Churches went on to refer, in their own speech, to the importance of the Gathering, as well as to problems that are specific to their respective Churches.

In His address, His Beatitude Theophilos expressed the wish that the Spirit of the Pentecost cast its light upon everyone present during the days of their Gathering, and that it enable all to experience the Holy and Great Forty-Day Period through fasting and praying before celebrating with joy the Holy Resurrection.

After lunch hosted by His All Holiness, Patriarch Bartholomew, at a Bosporus restaurant, the meeting resumed in the afternoon.

From the Secretariat-General

In the evening of Saturday, the 12^th/25^th of January 2014, the custom of St Basil’s pie was observed in a festive ambiance by the Greek Club in West Jerusalem, at its traditional hall which was founded by the late Sacristan of the Holy Sepulcher, Archimandrite Efthymios.

His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, cut the pie, blessing the Greek Parish of Jerusalem toward a peaceful, healthy, sanctified, prosperous and fruitful New Year. Guests at this celebratory gathering were the President of the Community, Mr Anastasios Damianos, the former President, Mr Vasileios Tzaferis, and members of the Greek Parish of the Old and New City of Jerusalem.

His Beatitude was welcomed by the New President of the Community, Mr Anastasios Damianos, who underlined the contribution of the late Sacristan of the Holy Sepulcher, Eftymios, to the Greek Parish, asking for the wishes of His Beatitude toward the progress of the Greek Community in the New Year.

The ceremony was embellished by traditional Greek songs and Christmas and New Year Carols. Guests received a piece of the blessed pie, with the President of the Community discovering the lucky coin.

His Beatitude and the other guests wished Mr Damianos a prosperous presidential tenure by the mediation of Basil the Great.

From the Secretariat-General

On the 7^th/20^th of January 2014, the day after the feast of Theophany, the President of Romania, His Excellency Mr Traian Basescu, on a visit to the state of Israel, visited the Patriarchate accompanied by members of the Romanian Government and by the Romanian Ambassador to Israel, Mrs Andreea Păstârnac.

The Romanian President and his retinue were received by His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Hagiotaphite Fathers. In His welcoming address to the President, His Beatitude spoke in English, see link: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2014/01/20/4001

and decorated him with the Grand Cross of the Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher for the enhancement of his pious disposition toward the Holy Sepulcher, also offering him a fine icon of Theotokos Jerusalemite.

Touched, the President offered His Beatitude a beautiful icon of the Nativity of Christ, crafted in an Orthodox Monastery of Romania, thanking Him for the honour bestowed upon him as a representative of the Romanian people, consisting of Orthodox faithful by 90%, and having close ties to the Orthodox Church.

“In the aftermath of the communist regime”, Mr Basescu said, “the state of Romania is trying to reestablish its relations with the Church of Romania, which is considered its integral part”.

Extending his thanks to His Beatitude over the manner in which He represents Christians in the Holy Land, especially in Jerusalem, the President kindly asked that the Church of Jerusalem look favourably on the as yet unresolved problem between the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Patriarchate of Romania.

In His response, His Beatitude said that “we have already reached a preparatory agreement, which we expect to be signed by His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of Romania”. He went on to add that “We have decided in favour of establishing closer ties between the two Churches and have therefore sent a Hagiotaphite student, now Archimandrite Dositheos, to study in Romania with a scholarship”.

His Excellency the President, accompanied by His Beatitude and members of the Hagiotaphite Brotherhood, amid ringing bells, proceeded to venerate at the Church of the Resurrection, the Holy Sepulcher, the Katholikon and Sacristy of the Church of the Resurrection, where he was received by the Hegoumen, the Elder Sacristan of the Holy Sepulcher, His Eminence Isidoros, Archbishop of Hierapolis, in the presence of Templar Fathers. There, he was also offered an icon of the Aedicula of the Holy Sepulcher.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/kPQ0opNl5_k

On Saturday the 22^nd of December 2013/4^th of January 2013, a Christmas celebration took place for the younger students of the Patriarchal School of St Demetrius, housed at the Patriarchate.

Attending the celebration was His Beatitude Theophilos, our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem, accompanied by the Patriarchal Commissioner, the Most Reverend Isychios, Metropolitan of Kapitolias, other Hagiotaphite Fathers as well as several teachers, parents and other members of the Jerusalemite Christian Community.

At the end of the event, His Beatitude offered Christmas presents to all students, wishing them good progress and a pleasant festive period.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/pHXDCZAuy7Y

On the evening of Thursday the 6^th/19^th of December 2013, the lighting of the Christmas tree ceremony took place within the New Gate of the Old City of Jerusalem.

The event had been prepared days ago by the Christian Inter-confessional Youth of Old Jerusalem, who had established a ten-meter tall tree on the roof of a building near the New Gate.

The ceremony attracted approximately three thousand spectators, mostly young people, following the Heads of Churches or their representatives, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Latin Patriarchate, the Franciscans, the Armenians, the Lutheran Bishop, the Syrian Bishop and delegates of the Palestinian Autonomy, Mr Hanne Amire, Chairman  of the Committee of Christian Affairs, the Governor of Jerusalem, Mr Adnan Husayni, Ambassadors and Consuls of States, the representative of the Bible Society, Mr Nasat Philoumenos, and the Advisor to President Abu Mazen, Mr Ahmed Ruedi.

During this public event, which highlighted the Christian presence in the Old City of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Theophilos, our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem, lighted the tree, illuminating its electrical light bulbs. The ceremony marked a joyful and cheerful opening of the feast of Christmas and the New Year.

After the lighting of the tree, the crowd walked to Notre-Dame hotel, opposite the New Gate, where, at the events hall, Christmas songs were sang and speeches were made thanking God for the peace and delight which stems from Christmas. The pericope of the Nativity according to Luke was read out, while His Beatitude Theophilos addressed those present in Arabic.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/8umSI3MFIcc

On Sunday the 25^th of November/8^th of December 2013, a Christmas event, namely the lighting of the Christmas tree, took place in the Greek Orthodox (Rum Orthodox) Community of Joppe/Jaffa, which is adjacent to the city of Tel Aviv.

The event was organized owing to the efforts of the Head of the Community, Steward f. Constantis, and it attracted several members of the Patriarchal Community there, the Commissioners, the Mayor of Tel Aviv and others.

Our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos, addressed those honouring the event with their presence in a speech which may be read here:

https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2013/12/08/3428

From the Secretariat-General

On Friday the 9^th/22^nd of November 2013, the eighth anniversary of His Beatitude Theophilos, our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem, was celebrated by the Patriarchate.

On the occasion of the anniversary, a Doxology service was held in the All-Holy Church of the Resurrection.

His Beatitude led the service with co-officiating Hagiotaphite Prelates, Hieromonks and Presbyters of our congregation, visiting from Monasteries and parishes either near or remote, within the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

Doxology was attended by the Greek Consul-General in Jerusalem, Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis, joined by his associates and his honourable wife, as well as by local faithful and pilgrims.

At the end of the service, amidst the sound of church bells, the Patriarchal Retinue proceeded to the Patriarchates. There, according to the protocol, His Beatitude was greeted by the Elder Secretary-General Aristarchos, Archbishop of Constantina. In his greeting, the Elder Secretary-General referred to the deeper ecclesiastical importance of the Enthronement, as an event which ‘being an ecclesiastical act, it has, as a connecting link, brought together the separate members of the body of Christ and of the Church of Sion under a single power and authority, that of Your Beatitude, and from there on marked the continuation of its harmonious operation, as well as that of the Church as a whole. After all, in the word of the Apostle Paul, “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it” (Corinthians A, 12, 26)

The Greek General-Consul, Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis, addressed His Beatitude in Greek. This is an excerpt from his speech:

[…] Your Beatitude,

Greece, in recognition of Your personal contribution, and honouring its indissoluble ties with this sacred foundation, confers to You its full aid and unreserved support, embracing You with its trust. We remain Your helpers in Your indefatigable and unrelenting efforts. The recent visits of the country’s Prime Minister, the Vice-President of the Government and numerous Ministers and Officials, provide testament to this fact, and a proof of dedication to You, and of our non-negotiable and firm alignment with You and this sacred institution. […]

Also addressing His Beatitude were the Most Reverend Metropolitan Kyriakos of Nazareth; the representative of the Russian Spiritual Mission (MISSIA), Archimandrite f. Theophanes, the Archbishop of Joppe, Damaskinos; the Archbishop of Quatar, Makarios, on behalf of the Metropolitan of Philadelphia, Benediktos, and on behalf of the Archbishopric of Quatar; the Archbishop of Pella, Philoumenos; the Hegoumen of Accra, Archimandrite f. Philotheos; the Principal of the Patriarchal School of Sion; the Headmaster of the School of St Demetrios, f. Issah Awad, vicar at the Cathedral of St James the Brother of God; the Hegoumen of the Community of Beit Jala, Archimandrite Narkissos on behalf of whom spoke f. Georgios Sahuan, and the Community of Remli.

In His reply speech, His Beatitude thanked all those present. This is an excerpt from His speech:

[…] This venerable anniversary of the Patriarchal Enthronement in the seat of Christ’s reigning city, does not pertain only to our Mediocrity but also to our Christian community, the one within the ecclesiastical boundaries of Our spiritual jurisdiction.

This we say because the entire Universe, especially so our own region, is tried fiercely by both visible and invisible powers of the ruler of the darkness in this century (Ephesians, 6, 12) according to Paul. And because of this, humanity as a whole anticipates the safe haven of hope, Christ crucified and risen, “whom we, the humble, preach and acknowledge in piety and gratitude” in these natural sites of His redeeming work.“Because Christ is in you, the hope of glory”. (Colossians, 1, 27)

In this situation in which we were in when God called us (1 Corinthians, 7, 20) we are invited to prove ourselves worthy of our Hagiotaphite mission, “in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left” (2 Corinthians, 6, 6-7).

His Beatitude’s address was translated into Arabic by the Patriarchate’s spokesman for Arab-speaking Mass Media, f. Issah Musleh.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/VQPwzXwNcwk

On Monday the 5^th/18^th of November 2013, an event was held in the site of Jerusalem’s City Hall on the re-election of Mayor Nir Barkat.  

Invited to attend the event were the Heads of the Christian Churches in Jerusalem or their representatives.

Welcoming the representatives of Churches, the Mayor said: “This visit is for me an honour. During the first five years of my mayoralty”, he said, “I did not know you. But during this, my second term of office, I do know you, and I am therefore in position to better serve you. Jerusalem remains an open city, with religious freedom for all denominations. It annually attracts 10.000.000 pilgrims and tourists. We, the Mayoral Authorities, are looking forward to upgrading our collaboration with you. I am looking forward to Christmas, when I plan to visit you and offer my congratulations on the feast”.

Replying in the name of all representatives of the Christian Churches, His Beatitude Theophilos, our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem, addressed the newly re-elected Mayor with this speech in English: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2013/11/18/3238

During the discussion that followed, the Leaders of the Christian Churches in Jerusalem pointed out a series of acts of violence committed by extreme elements, for instance the recent desecration of the Anglican Church Cemetery in Zion.

These acts were condemned by the Mayor, upon assurances of ongoing collaboration between Municipality and Police towards the prevention of such incidents and prosecution of their instigators.

From the Secretariat-General

On the afternoon of Monday the 15^th/28^th of October 2013, the 28^th of October 1940 was celebrated at the Patriarchal Hieratic School on the hill of St Sion.

Celebrations were honoured with the presence of His Beatitude Theophilos, our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem, accompanied by Hagiotaphite Prelates from the Patriarchate and the School Board, as well as by the Consul General of Greece in Jerusalem, Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis, his associates and his distinguished wife.

The humble ceremony included a Foreword by the Principal, the Reverend monk f. Photios Kousis, professor of Physics. The Panegyric was delivered by professor Eleni  Oikonomou, followed by recitations of poems and performance of songs commemorating the 1940 epos by students at the School.

Through the Foreword, the Panegyric and the recitations, those attending the celebrations were mentally transferred to the 1940-1944 period, during which World War II lasted, feeling deep emotion and national pride for the bravery of our fathers who fought and not only offered their belongings but also sacrificed their life, fighting under adverse weather conditions in Northern Epirus and Albania, as recounted by Nobel laureate Odysseas Elytis in “Axion Esti”. Some of them organized national resistance across the whole of the Hellenic region, until the day they liberated Greece from the cruel and inhuman Nazi occupation.

At the conclusion of school celebrations, His Beatitude and the Consul General congratulated teachers and students alike and offered them religious and patriotic advice and guidance.

From the Secretariat General

httpv://youtu.be/gsf0xqZT-SY

On Wednesday, the 26^th of September/9^th of October 2013, the President of PASOK, Foreign Secretary and Vice-President of the Greek Government, Mr Evangelos Venizelos, visited the Patriarchate while accompanying the Greek Prime Minister on a visit to the state of Israel.

Mr Evangelos Venizelos was warmly welcomed by His Beatitude Theophilos, our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem, in the company of Hagiotaphite Fathers.

During his visit, Mr Venizelos informed His Beatitude that in the context of his meetings with the Prime Minister of Israel Mr Netanyahu, the President of the Palestianian Autonomy Mr Abu Mazen and, a few days earlier, with His Majesty the King of Jordan Abdullah II, special reference was made to the position and the role of the Patriarchate as a religious, peacemaking and regulatory agent for the preservation of the status of the sites of pilgrimage and of Jerusalem’s political status.

His Beatitude thanked the Vice President for his interest and added that, owing to its history and spiritual and physical property, the Patriarchate is elevated to a significant agent of peace and religious and political stability in the political context of its ecclesiastical jurisdiction, but at the same time and for the same reasons, it becomes on occasion a target on the grounds of its rights and property. In particular, His Beatitude referred to the now resolved problem of the water supply of the Church of the Resurrection on behalf of Israel’s Gihon Water Supply Company, and to the current problem of trespassing Patriarchal land in Bethany, for which solution is promoted by President Abu Mazen, with the support of the Greek Government.

In the context of this meeting, His Beatitude awarded Mr Venizelos the medal of the Supreme Commander of the Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher for his contribution to the Church and the nation. He also offered him the book on the History of the Church of Jerusalem by Chrysostomos Papadopoulos, an icon of the Nativity, and Jerusalemite eulogias for his associates.

Moved, Mr Venizelos thanked His Beatitude and offered him a silver tray with representations from exhibits on display at the Benaki Museum.

Subsequently, Mr Venizelos and his associates proceeded to the Holy Sepulcher, where they were welcomed by His Eminence Isidoros, Archbishop of Hierapolis and Elder Sacristan, in the presence of Fathers of the Church of the Resurrection.

From the Secretariat-General