Α. Vespers of Compunction

At 2.30 pm of Sunday, the 29^th of February/13^th of March 2016, the Vespers of Compunction was performed at St James Cathedral that stands between the Patriarchate and the Church of the Resurrection, led by His Eminence Theodosios, Archbishop of Sebaste. On the conclusion of Vespers, Archbishop Theodosios read the prayer of forgiveness in view of the beginning of the forty-day period of Lent.

Β.  The prayer of forgiveness

At 5.30 pm of the aforementioned day, the Service of the Small Compline was read at the Monastic Church of Sts Constantine and Helen, on the conclusion of which His Beatitude Theophilos read the prayer of forgiveness for a congregation of Hagiotaphite Primates, Hieromonks, deacons, monks as well as nuns and members of the Greek parish and the flock in view of the forty-day period of Lent. The prayer was followed by brotherly embrace and exchange of pardon.

From the Secretariat-General

On the morning of Saturday, the 14^th/27^th of February 2016, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem left Jerusalem for the town of Sdeide in the Accra-Ptolemais region of Northern Israel, home to an Arabic-speaking Rum-Orthodox Community numbering approximately 700 members.

The Community’s worship centre is a Church dedicated to St Patrick the Hieromartyr and Bishop of Proussa.

His Beatitude was welcomed by priests from the town’s adjacent parishes and went on to bless the faithful and begin the Katabasias hymns, leading the Matins and divine Liturgy. Co-officiating were Metropolitan Kyriakos of Nazareth, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Metropolitan Joachim of Zambia, Archimandrite Chrysostomoss, hegumen in Fhes, Jordan, and Hierodeacons Markos and Anastasios. Archimandrite Philotheos sang with his choir for a pious congregation from Sdeide’s Arabic Orthodox residents.

To the faithful, Patriarch Theophilos preached the Word of God in Greek, saying that the Holy Church is indeed the Body of the living God, a pillar and establishment of truth, whilst we, baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity, are members of its Body, of the Body of Christ. “Our Holy Church”, added the Patriarch, “being the arc of salvation, calls upon us today through the Apostle Paul, who says: “[pursue] righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses [1^st Timothy 6, 11-12]”.

In Arabic, the Patriarch’s speech may be reached here: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2016/02/27/19352

Addressing the Very Reverend f. Elias, the honorable President of the Community and the members of the town of Sdeide, Patriarch Theophilos extended thanks for the invitation to inaugurate the town’s new halls and expressed joy over the peaceful and harmonious coexistence of Orthodox Christians with fellow residents of other religions.

Finally, the Patriarch expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and closed with words of the Apostle Paul: “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance” [2^nd Thessalonians, 3, 5].

In Arabic, see link: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2016/02/27/19354

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/ku6AfiW55wM

httpv://youtu.be/l_l1nvDIFHE

httpv://youtu.be/4Ur8O5oFdps

On Tuesday, the 10^th/23rd of February 2016, the Patriarchate observed the memory of St Charalambos the Hieromartyr at the monastery dedicated to his name, to the north-east of the Church of the Resurrection.

St Charalambos was a priest in Magnesia, Thessalia, who suffered a martyr’s death during the reign of Licinius, circa 180 AD.

Vespers and the divine Liturgy were led by Archbishop Methodios of Tabor, having Hagiotaphite Hieromonks as concelebrants, e.g. Archimandrites Ieronymos, Ignatios, Makarios; f. Issa Touma, vicar at St James Cathedral, priests visiting from Russia, and deacon Anastasios. Elder Nun Mariam Skorda and Archimandrites Eusebius and Alexios sang during Vespers; during the divine Liturgy, Archimandrite Eusebius sang for a pious congregation of monks, nuns, Greek Orthodox members of the Greek parish, Arabic-speaking faithful and pilgrims from Greece, Russia and Romania.

During the divine Liturgy, Patriarch Theophilos arrived at the church to venerate.

The Patriarchal and Prelatic Entourage and the congregation were hosted to a reception by the hegumen, Archimandrite Kallistos.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/jUJQh7MTYWw

httpv://youtu.be/x3OHPW7hsa8

httpv://youtu.be/DAMsSQs2HV0

On Saturday, the 7^th/20^th of February 2016, His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, visited the town of Abu Snan in the Accra-Ptolemais region of Northern Israel, home to an Arabic-speaking Rum Orthodox community of approximately 2500 members centered around a church dedicated to St George the Great Martyr.

Abu Snan is one of the twelve Communities that lie within the jurisdiction of the Accra-Ptolemais Bishopric, namely: Kafr Yasif, Kafr Smea, Sfa Amer, Jdeideh, Ambelin, Rame, Maker, Tarshiha, Sakhnin and Pkea.

After being officially welcomed to the town, His Beatitude went on to hold the divine Liturgy, with Metropolitan Kyriakos of Nazareth, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Hagiotaphite Hieromonks, Arabic-speaking Presbyters from the Accra-Ptolemais communities, deacons Markos and Anastasios co-officiating. Archimandrite Philotheos, hegumen in Accra-Ptolemais, sang in Arabic and Greek for the Orthodox congregation, in the presence of Professor Antonia Moropoulou of the NTUA.

To the pious congregation, Patriarch Theophilos preached the Word of God.

After Communion, His Beatitude offered an icon of St John the Chosebite for the restored church, as well as a fine candle holder, before distributing the antidoron and blessing icons to the faithful.

On the conclusion of the feast, a reception followed at an events hall adjacent to the church, where Patriarch Theophilos addressed attendants in Arabic, see link:  https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2016/02/20/19214

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/RCxSpahdEXw

httpv://youtu.be/HPvMbOzMe4A

httpv://youtu.be/x8je4NKc32M

On Tuesday, the 3^rd/16^th of February 2016, the feast of St Simeon the Righteous and Receiver of the Lord was observed at the Monastery dedicated to him in Katamonas, West Jerusalem, where during the 20^th century a Greek parish had flourished.

On this day, that follows the feast of the Hypapante, the Church commemorates St Simeon, who, on the 40^th day of the Lord’s birth in the flesh, had received Him at the Temple of Solomon, exclaiming “Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word, for my eyes have seen Your salvation, a Light to lighten the Gentiles, the Glory of Your people Israel”.

The feast was observed at the aforementioned Monastery, wherein lies the tomb of the saint and part of his relics, ceded years ago by the Roman Catholic Church of Croatia, on the request of the Patriarchate.

Vespers was led by Archimandrite Ananias, and the divine Liturgy by Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem. Co-officiating were Archbishops Aristarchos of Constantina, Methodios of Tabor and Theophylaktos of Jordan; Metropolitan Hilarion of Haisvinsky, visiting from the Church of Georgia; Hagiotaphite Hieromonks as Archimandrite Ananias, hegumen at the Monastery of St George in Beit Jala, Archimandrite Claudius, hegumen at the Monastery of the Holy Cross, Archimandrite Ignatius, hegumen at the Monastery of the Village of the Shepherds, and Archimandrite Dometian of the Russian MISSIA; priests visiting from other Orthodox countries, Archdeacon Evlogios and deacons Agapios and Anastasios. Archimandrite Aristovoulos sang in Greek, Arabic and Russian, aided by Mr Christos Pantelis from Cyprus. A great crowd of pilgrims from Greece, Russia and Romania, as well as the remaining members of the Greek parish and members of the Arabic-speaking flock attended the service.

The Patriarch preached the Word of God in Greek and in Arabic, see link: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2016/02/16/19081

After Communion, Patriarch Theophilos blessed the faithful and distributed the antidoron.

On the conclusion of the divine Liturgy, the hegumen of the Monastery, Archimandrite Theodoritos, hosted the Patriarchal Entourage and many among the faithful to a reception at the hegumeneion and in the forecourt of the Monastery.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/Zez1aRbxA6E

httpv://youtu.be/9Ur4ZF_xqRc

On Monday, the 2^nd/15^th of February 2016, the Patriarchate commemorated the “Hypapante of the Lord at the Temple of Solomon” at the Monastic Church of Sts Constantine and Helen, His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, officiating. The feast was also observed at the Monastery of Panagia Seida Naya, to the northwest of the Church of the Resurrection, in the Christian quarter.

The feast commemorates the presentation of the Lord by the ever-virgin Maria and Joseph at the Temple of Solomon, forty days after His birth in the flesh, so that He be consecrated according to the Law of Moses. There, the Lord was welcomed by Simeon the Just, who held Him in his arms and said: “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, according to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation to the gentiles and the glory of Your people Israel”.

Vespers and the divine Liturgy at the aforementioned Monastery were led by Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina. Co-officiating were Archimandrite Ignatios, hegumen at the Village of the Shepherds, Archimandrite Makarios, hegumen at St Nicodemus Monastery, and Archimandrite Paisios, hegumen at the Monastery of the Prophet Elias. Archimandrites Aristovoulos and Eusebius sang in Greek with students of the Patriarchal School, Dr Nikolaos Ninos, and pilgrims from Cyprus. The choir of St James Cathedral sang in Arabic under Mr Rimon Kamar on the left, in the presence of Greek Consulate members, nuns and pilgrims from Greece, Russia, Romania, Ukraine, local Arabic-speaking faithful and members of the Greek parish praying in piety and joy.

During the divine Liturgy, Patriarch Theophilos proceeded to venerate with Hagiotaphite Fathers.

His Eminence Aristarchos preached the Word of God to the pious congregation in Greek and Arabic (see video).

After the holy metalepsis, the distribution of the antidoron and supplication at the hegumeneion, Primates and the congregation were hosted to a reception by Abbess Seraphima.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/AVFRnvdrvFI

httpv://youtu.be/LmkSQxP2Q74

httpv://youtu.be/8gRgytL8opU

On Friday, the 30^th of January/12^th of February 2016, the Patriarchate celebrated the school feast of the three Hierarchs at the Patriarchal Hieratical School of the Holy Sion.

In memory of these three great Fathers of the Church, protectors of Education, “the three most great luminaries of the three-sun divinity” and ecumenical teachers, Vespers and the divine Liturgy were led by the Elder Sacristan and Chairman of the School Board, Archbishop Isidoros of Hierapolis. Hagiotaphite Archimandrites Makarios and Kallistos and Hierodeacon Anastasios co-officiated as students from the School sang in the presence of teachers, nuns, members of the Greek parish and pious pilgrims from Greece, Russia and Romania.

The panegyric of the day, on the contribution of the three Hierarchs to Greek education, spoke Mr Nikolaos Souliotis, acting Principal, delegated by the Hellenic Ministry of Education. On the conclusion of mass, Mr Souliotis hosted Primates and the congregation to a reception at the School’s Hall of Events.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/3QQpFyEAX7Y

httpv://youtu.be/ZbGVZ17mXZQ

On the afternoon of Thursday the 29^th of January/11^th of February 2016, H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, accompanied by the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, the Most Reverend Joachim, Metropolitan of Zambia, Archimandrite Ieronymos, hegumen in Fhes, fr. Issa Mousleh, the Patriarchate’s liaison with Arabic-speaking media, and Archdeacon Evlogios, left for Jordan.

Crossing the bridge of the river Jordan, His Beatitude arrived at the Patriarchate’s Bishopric in Amman, where He was warmly welcomed by the Most Reverend Benedict, Metropolitan of Philadelphia.

On the next day, the 30^th of January/12^th of February 2016, Patriarch Theophilos left for the Holy Monastery of the Life-giving Spring in Dibin, located at an hour’s distance from Amman.

There, He was warmly welcomed in the forecourt by Archimandrite Christophoros, priests in sacerdotal vestments, nuns and a crowd of faithful, who accompanied the Patriarch to the entrance of the church that is decorated in the Byzantine style.

The Patriarch went on to begin with the Katabasia hymns of the Hypapante, and led Matins and the divine Liturgy. Co-officiating were Archbishops Aristarchos of Constantina and Philoumen of Pella, Metropolitan Joachim of Zambia, Archimandrites Ieronymos, Christophoros and Athanasios, Arabic-speaking presbyters and the flock in Jordan, fr. Issa Mousleh, Archdeacon Evlogios and deacon Psara-Evangelos. The head cantor of the Metropolitan Church in Amman, Mr Fadi Far, sang in the Byzantine style in both Arabic and Greek, as several young people participated silently and in piety.

During Communion, the Patriarch preached the Word of God before offering the faithful the Holy Communion.

Before the apolysis, Patriarch Theophilos read the prayer for the inauguration of nun Irinea as Abbess, bestowing upon her the Abbess’ cross and an icon of Theotokos.

Similarly, His Beatitude inaugurated Archimandrite Christophoros as the Monastery’s spiritual father, offering him an icon of Christ as the True Vine.

In his reply speech, Archimandrite Christophoros said that the day was one of joy and bliss for the Monastery, as under the spiritual guidance of Abbess Irinea, the Monastery would remain a spiritual oasis in these difficult times we live in.

“This Monastery”, said Archimandrite Christophoros, “we dedicate to the Mother of Churches, my humble self and humble nuns, and we offer this icon that was painted at the Monastery of the Life-giving Spring in Dibin, for this day”. The icon depicted Hieromartyr Philoumenos, hegumen at Jacob’s Well, and St John the Chosebite, both canonized by the Mother of Churches.

Upon the crowd’s exclamation “Worthy she is…” for Abbess Irinea, the Patriarch distributed icons of St Philoumen and St John the new Chosebite.

After lunch, priests met with His Beatitude to discuss issues pertaining to their respective parishes.

From the Secretariat-General

On Tuesday, the 20^th of January/2^nd of February 2016, the Patriarchate observed the memory of St Efthymios the Great at the Monastery dedicated to his name, adjacent to the Monasteries of Panagia Seida Naya and St Catherine to the northwest of the Patriarchate, at a short distance from the Christian quarter.

Hosios Efthymios came to the Holy Land from his homeland, Armenia, circa 420 AD. Having led an ascetic’s life in the desert of Judea, he founded a Lavra with St Thepktistos, where he would receive numerous monks at an advanced stage of asceticism, and several Christians adhering to life in Christ, proclaiming the doctrine of the Fourth Ecumenical Council in Chalcedon, namely of the two natures and wills in Christ, the divine and the human. He also reclaimed several faithful who had been deceived by the heresy of Monophysitism, empress Eudoxia amongst them.

Vespers and the divine Liturgy were led by Archbishop Demetrios of Lydda. Co-officiating were Archimandrite Claudius, hegoumen at the Holy Cross Monastery; f. Ignatios, hegoumen at the Monastery of the Village of the Shepherds; and f. Makarios, hegoumen at St Nicodemus Monastery. Archimandrite Aristovoulos sang for a pious congregation of nuns and members of the Jerusalemite flock and the Greek Parish.

On the conclusion of the divine Liturgy, Abbess Christonymphe hosted the Prelatic Entourage to a reception at the hegoumeneion.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/LrI7jTsSqos

httpv://youtu.be/lLGanytKXMw

On Saturday, the 17^th/30^th of January 2016, the Patriarchate observed the memory of St Anthony the Great at the chapel dedicated to his name within St Nicholas Monastery, to the northwest of the Patriarchate.

As is well-known, St Anthony the Great is one of the great ascetic Fathers of the Church. He had lived for 105 years, spanning the reign of Diocletian and Maximian to Constantine the Great. St Anthony had led an ascetic life in the extreme, was replete with spiritual gifts, “had turned the deserts into cities”, and taught monasticism to thousands of monks. His Vita was composed by Athanasius the Great, who had supported Christians in times of persecution and defended the doctrine of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea.

The divine Liturgy was held at St Anthony’s chapel on the day of his feast, led by Archimandrite Aristovoulos, hegoumen at St Nicholas Monastery and Head Cantor of the Church of the Resurrection. A pious congregation of monks, nuns, Greek-speaking and Arabic-speaking locals from Jerusalem, and pilgrims, attended the service.

The congregation were hosted to a reception by Archimandrite Aristovoulos on the conclusion of the divine Liturgy.

From the Secretariat-General