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FORTY-DAY MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE ARCHIMANDRITE KELADION

On the morning of Saturday, the 22nd of November/5th of December 2015, the Hagiotaphite Brotherhood held a 40-day memorial service for the repose of the soul of the late Elder Kamarasis and former treasurer of the Hieron Koinon, Archimandrite Keladion.

The divine Liturgy was led by the Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod, His Eminence Demetrios, Archbishop of Lydda, whereas Patriarch Theophilos officiated at the Memorial on the conclusion of mass. Co-officiating were Hagiotaphite Primates and Hieromonks with monks, nuns and the faithful as concelebrants.

After the divine Liturgy, His Beatitude, the Fathers and everyone honouring the memory of the deceased by attending the Memorial Service, walked to the Patriarchate where they were offered kollyva exclaiming “may his memory be eternal” and “may his soul rest in the land of the living with the righteous and the saints.

From the Secretariat-General




THE ENTRY OF THEOTOKOS INTO THE TEMPLE CELEBRATED AT THE PATRIARCHATE

On Friday, the 21st of November/4th of December 2015, the Patriarchate celebrated the feast of the Presentation of Mary, namely the entrance of Theotokos into the Holy of Holies, where she stayed to be nurtured by angels and prepared for the great Mystery of the incarnation of God the Logos through the Holy Spirit.

Α.  At the Church of the Hagiotaphite Brotherhood

Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem officiated at Matins and the divine Liturgy, wearing the mantle and holding the pastoral staff, opening the Katabasia Hymns of Christmas with Hagiotaphite Primates, Hieromonks and monks as concelebrants.

Β. At the Monastery of the Holy Panagia

This Monastery to the south of the Patriarchate served as the first residence of Hagiotaphite Fathers coming from the Hill of Sion in 516 AD, in the days of the ever-memorable Patriarch Elias of Jerusalem.

Today it is a Convent where approximately twenty nuns reside. Archbishop Dorotheos of Avila officiated at Vespers and the divine Liturgy. Co-officiating were the vicar of the Monastery, Hieromonk Makarios, hegoumen at St Nidocemus Monastery; f. Ignatios, hegoumen at the Monastery in Beit Sahour, and other Hagiotaphites, as well as deacon Markos. Archimandrite Aristovoulos sang in Greek, Arabic, Russian and Arabic for a pious congregation of nuns, Greeks from the Parish, Arabic-speaking locals and pilgrims from Greece, Russia and Romania.

Patriarch Theophilos proceeded to venerate in the course of the d. Liturgy, and went on to praise Abbess Melani for the results of restoration works carried out at the Monastery.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/dgJn6oP__Ig

httpv://youtu.be/BCQy1oCni_s

httpv://youtu.be/4jZ_geXQrYQ

 




HIERODEACON DIONYSIOS ORDAINED AS PRESBYTER

On the night of Monday the 17th/30th of November to Tuesday the 18th of November/1st of December, Hagiotaphite Hierodeacon Dionysios, hegoumen at the Monastery of the Apostles in Tiberias, was ordained presbyter at the Holy Sepulcher. The Most Reverend Isychios, Metropolitan of Kapitolias, was the ordaining Primate.

During his address to the ordained, Metropolitan Isychios said, among other things:

“Your life as a Hagiotaphite is known to us and worthy of praise; your morality, nobility, unfeigned obedience, respect to your elders and superiors, your kindness and responsibility in the execution of your duties as a deacon but also director of the Patriarchal School’s Boarding House, and secretary of the Finance Committee and accountant, your love for all, dedication to the Hagiotaphic commands and your profound Orthodox faith, all these which serve as ornaments of your character, are rewarded today with this decision of our Head and the members of the Holy and Sacred Synod that you be promoted to the second rank of priesthood and to the position of hegoumen at the Monastery of the Holy Apostles in Tiberias”.

After the reply speech of father Dionysios, the ordaining Metropolitan placed his hands on the head of the ordained and invoked the Holy Spirit on his behalf, with this invocation: “Divine Grace that always cures the ill and replaces the missing, appoints deacon Dionysios to the rank of Presbyter. Let us now wish that the Grace of the All-holy Spirit come upon him”, upon which Hagiotaphite Fathers and the ordained presbyter’s relatives visiting from Greece exclaimed “Worthy he is!”

The service was broadcast live on the Patriarchate’s Radio Station.

After the ordainment, f. Dionysios hosted those honouring him at the Office of the Elder Sacristan, Archbishop Isidoros of Hierapolis.

On the morning, f. Dionysios, in the presence of Hagiotaphite Fathers and relatives of his, arrived at the Patriarchate to receive the blessings of Patriarch Theophilos and listened to His advice for the performance of his hieratical duties.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/A9BqebVtonQ

httpv://youtu.be/ZYHtkQDMgOU




THE FEAST OF ST PHILOUMENOS THE HAGIOTAPHITE (2015)

On Sunday, the 16th/29th of November 2015, the memory of St Philoumen the Hagiotaphite and Hieromartyr was observed at Jacob’s Well.

St Philoumen, hailing from Cyprus, had served in various diaconates before being transferred to Jacob’s Well in Nablus, Samaria. It was there, in 1979, that he suffered a martyr’s death by a fanatic Israelite. In 2009, upon a decision of the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, he was ranked amongst the saints of the Orthodox Church, his feast day set on 16th November of each year, the date of his martyrdom.

The feast and divine Liturgy at Jacob’s Well and the magnificent church of St Photini, built by Archimandrite Ioustinos, was led by Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem. Co-officiating were Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Metropolitan Alexander of Pereyaslav-Khemlnytskyi, Metropolitan Joachim of former Zambia, visiting from the Church of Ukraine, Archimandrites Kallistos and Leontios, Hieromonk Kyriakos, Archdeacon Evlogios and Hierodeacon Markos. In attendance was the Greek Consul-General in Jerusalem, Mr Zacharoudiakis. Hieropsalts from Greece sang in Greek as hieropsalts from towns adjacent to Nablus sang in Arabic. A great crowd of Orthodox locals from Nablus and neighbouring towns, as well as pilgrims from Greece, Russia, Ukraine and Romania, observed the memory of St Philoumenos.

To the pious congregation, the Patriarch preached the Word of God in Greek.

After the apolysis, the hegoumen and renovator of the church, Archimandrite Ioustinos, hosted the Patriarchal retinue to a reception, followed by lunch also attended by the Prefect, the Chief of Police and the region’s Mayor.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/XfPlBKqsDvs

httpv://youtu.be/Q87nFsKEJMU




THE GATHERING OF THE HOLY ARCHANGELS IN THE OLD CITY OF JERUSALEM

On Saturday, the 8th/21st of November 2015, the Patriarchate celebrated the feast of the Gathering of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel at the homonymous Monastery opposite the Monastery, within the Christian quarter. Vespers and the divine Liturgy were led by His Eminence Methodios, Archbishop of Tabor with co-officiating Hieromonks, as Archmandrite Claudius, hegoumen of the Monastery of the Holy Cross, and Archimandrite Makarios, hegoumen of the Monastery of St Nicodemus. Archbishop Demetrios of Lydda sang with other Hagiotaphite Fathers in the presence of the Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem and his esteemed wife, members of the Arabic-speaking Community of Jerusalem, monks, nuns and pious pilgrims.

On the conclusion of the divine Liturgy, the hegoumen of the Monastery, Archbishop Demetrios of Lydda, hosted the Primates and others to a reception at the hegoumeneion.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/kGMzbXIENXw

httpv://youtu.be/8PWmXuebs5Y




THE GATHERING OF THE HOLY APOSTLES CELEBRATED IN JOPPA

On Saturday, the 8th/21st of November 2015, the Patriarchate observed the feast of the Gathering of the Apostles Michael and Gabriel and all the heavenly Bodiless Powers in the city of Joppa, at the homonymous Monastery by the sea. The divine Liturgy was led by His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem. Co-officiating were: Metropolitan Kyriakos of Nazareth; Archbishops Damascene of Joppa, Aristarchos of Constantina, Nektarios of Anthedon; Metropolitan Joachim of former Zambia; Hieromonks as Archimandrite Ieronymos, hegoumen in Fhes, Jordan; Archimandrite Bartholomew, Archimandrites Alexandros and Leontios of the Russian MISSIA in Jerusalem; Archimandrite Nephon, Archdeacon Evlogios, Hierodeacon Markos and Archimandrite Timofti of the Monastery of the Archangels. Head cantor Mr Martinakos, invited by the Archbishop of Joppa, sang on the right in Greek whilst the Choir of Joppa sang in Arabic. In attendance were the Greek ambassador to Israel, Mr Spyridon Lamprides, the Ambassador of Cyprus and other diplomats.

To the pious congregation His Beatitude preached the Word of God in Greek.

The divine Liturgy was followed by reception at the hegoumeneion, then by lunch hosted by Archbishop Damascene of Joppa.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/7pe10xkY-wQ

httpv://youtu.be/rQ3UYTte8p8

 




THE FEAST OF ST GEORGE THE GREAT MARTYR IN LYDDA (LOD)

On Monday, the 3rd/16th of November 2015, the Patriarchate commemorated the translation of the relics of St George the Great Martyr and Trophy Bearer, and the inauguration of the church dedicated to his name in Lydda (Lod) in the 4th c. AD.

The relics of St George had been translated from Rome, where he had suffered a martyr’s death, to Lydda, the birthplace of his mother, where it was buried in a tomb over which a magnificent church was constructed on the instructions of St Helena. The church opened on the 3rd of November, the day on which we celebrate the translation of the saint’s relics, whilst the 23rd of April commemorates his death.

St George’s Church has suffered damages and attrition throughout the history of Palestine, but has remained one of the Patriarchate’s Shrines and the Church of the Greek Orthodox Arabic-speaking Community in Lydda, numbering approximately 1300 members.

The divine Liturgy was led by Patriarch Theophilos having as concelebrants: Archbishops Damascene of Joppa and Aristarchos of Constantina; Metropolitan Joachim of former Zambia, and Bishop Isaiah visiting from the Czech Lands and Slovakia, Hagiotaphite Hieromonks of neighbouring towns; Archimandrite Sophronios, Hegoumen in Rene; Archimandrite Ieronymos, Hegoumen in Fhes, Jordan; the Head of the Russian MISSIA, Archimandrite Leontios; the Hegoumen in Remle, Archimandrite Niphon, Archdeacon Evlogios and deacon Synesios. Archimandrite Aristovoulos sang with the Community’s cantors in Greek and Arabic in the presence of Mr Alexandros Gennimatas, representative of the Hellenic Embassy to Israel; the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Israel; the Georgian Ambassador and a crowd of faithful that included Greek Orthodox Arabic-speaking locals, as well as visitors from the adjacent towns of Joppa and Remli, but also from Galilee and the occupied areas.

During Communion, His Beatitude preached the Word of God in Greek.

After the distribution of the antidoron and the apolysis, a reception was held at the Hegoumen’s quarters, followed by lunch hosted by Archimandrite Nicodemus and the Community of Lydda.

The representatives of the Embassies of Greece, Cyprus and Georgia attended lunch and were addressed in English by the Chairman of the Community. See link: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2015/11/16/18063

From the Secretariat-General  

httpv://youtu.be/R5av9FBrPLc

httpv://youtu.be/S_boa7KZqjE




THE FEAST OF THE TRANSLATION OF THE RELICS OF ST GEORGE THE GREAT MARTYR AND TROPHY BEARER

A. In Jerusalem

On Monday, the 3rd/16th of November 2015, the translation of the relics of St George the Trophy Bearer was commemorated at the Monastery dedicated to his name, at a short distance to the north-west of the Patriarchate, adjacent to the Monastery of the Archangels, in the Christian quarter of the old city of Jerusalem.

The Monastery had been restored by the ever-memorable Patriarch Chrysanthos of Jerusalem (1707-1731), including within its premises a hospital, hence why it is known to this day as the Holy Monastery of St George “of the Hospital”.

Vespers and the divine Liturgy were led by Archbishop Demetrios of Lydda, having as concelebrants Archimandrites Alexios, Makarios and Kallistos, and a priest visiting from Greece. Archimandrite Alexios sang with his assistants, whilst pious Christians, monks, nuns and pilgrims attended the service.

During Communion, the officiating Primate talked of the martyrdom of St George, an example for us to emulate in a Christian life. After the apolysis, Nun Pansemni hosted the Primates and the faithful to a reception in the forecourt.

At St George “of the Jewish” the feast was not observed because of restoration works commissioned by Abbess Anna.

B. At the Monastery of Beit-Jala

On Sunday the 2nd/15th of November 2015, the translation of the relics of St George the Trophy Bearer was observed a day earlier than the actual feast-day at St George Monastery in Beit-Jala.

The Monastery lies between Bethlehem and Hebron at the centre of Beit Jala, a town inhabited by Muslims.

The divine Liturgy was officiated by Metropolitan Joachim of former Zambia, having as concelebrants Archimandrite Ananias and Hierodeacon Markos. The service was attended by many faithful from Beit-Jala, Bethlehem, and the Village of the Shepherds. On the conclusion of the divine Liturgy, Hegoumen Ananias hosted everyone to a reception at the hegoumeneion.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/D87kpagKNWs




THE FEAST OF ST DEMETRIUS IN THE HOLY LAND

  1. IN JERUSALEM

On Sunday, the 26th of October/8th of November 2015, the Patriarchate observed the feast of St Demetrius the glorious martyr and myrrh-bearer at the Church dedicated to his name, within the Hagiotaphite Brotherhood. Also named in honour of St Demetrius is the “Agios Demetrios” Arabic-speaking School, intended for the children of the Patriarchate’s congregation.

The feast of St Demetrius of Thessaloniki, the city’s patron saint and protector of those honouring him – the “one who had encouraged Nestor to slain the arrogant Lyaeus in the arena” was celebrated at the aforementioned church.

Vespers was led by the Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod, Archbishop Demetrios of Lydda, having as concelebrants Hagiotaphite Hieromonks and deacons. Archimandrite Aristovoulos sang during Vespers. Novice monk Demetrios Lykoudes sang during the divine Liturgy on the right, along with students from the Patriarchal School of Zion, with Archimandrite Alexios, Hegoumen at Saints Theodores Monastery of the Old City of Jerusalem, singing on the left. Hagiotaphite Fathers, nuns, students and teachers from the Patriarchal School of the Holy Zion and of Agios Demetrios School attended mass. Students from Agios Demetrios School hosted Primates to a reception accompanied by a short performance in honour of St Demetrius.

  1. IN RAFIDIA, NABLUS

On the same day, Sunday the 26th of October/8th of November 2015, the Patriarchate observed the feast of St Demetrius the glorious martyr and myrrh-bearer at Agios Demetrios Church in the town of Rafidia, built at the heart of the Old City of Nablus, Samaria, at a short distance from Jacob’s Well. This particular church, in all likelihood built by Patriarchate Kyrillos of Jerusalem circa 1850, is today the second church of this small Community, next to the magnificent Church of the Annunciation of Theotokos at the centre of the New City of Nablus.

The divine Liturgy in honour of Demetrius, who had suffered a martyr’s death for Christ, was led by Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem. Co-officiating were Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina; Metropolitan Joachim of former Zambia; Archimandrite Ioustinos, hegoumen at Jacob’s Well; Archimandrite Ieronymos, Archdeacon Evlogios and deacon Synesios, as Hieropsalts sang in Arabic and Greek under the direction of Archimandrite Aristovoulos.

During Communion, His Beatitude preached the Word of God in Greek.

Several among the faithful received the Holy Communion, during which the Patriarch read the prayer of the kollyva, namely consecrated wheat, in honour of St Demetrius.

On the conclusion of the service, the Community hosted the Patriarch and those accompanying him to a reception followed by lunch at noon, during which the hosts extended thanks to His Beatitude for His pastoral contribution that strengthens their lives and coexistence in the region’s multi-faith environment.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WILICEcu0nA

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2BDvTc7SQM

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGBLYXoLe34




THE FEAST OF ST JAMES THE BROTHER OF GOD

On Thursday, the 23rd of October/5th of November 2015, the Patriarchate observed the memory of St James the Brother of God, the first Hierarch of the Church of Jerusalem, at the church dedicated to his name, which internally connects the Hagiotaphite Brotherhood with the Church of the Resurrection.

St James the Brother of God was by the Logos, the Only Begotten Son of God, made “the first shepherd and teacher and faithful steward of the sacraments of the spiritual fathers in Jerusalem”, President of the first Ecumenical Synod in 49 AD and the one who had designated the stance of the Church on the old Law of Moses and the New Law of Christ’s Grace. St James had written an Epistle to the twelve tribes of Israel, scattered abroad, that was included in the Canon of the New Testament. Fanatic Jews, adhering to the Law of Moses, had pushed him down the arch of the Temple of Solomon in 63 AD.

This great Apostle and Hierarch of the Church of Jerusalem and of the entire Church was honoured by the Church of Jerusalem on the aforementioned day with Vespers led by the Patriarchal Commissioner, Metropolitan Isychios of Kapitolias. Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem officiated at the divine Liturgy, having as concelebrants Metropolitan Isychios and Archbishops Aristarchos of Constantina, Theodosios of Sebaste, and Joachim of former Zambia; Hagiotaphite Hieromonks and the vicar of the Cathedral, f. Farah Bantour, Archdeacon Evlogios, deacon Synesios, and priests visiting from Russia and Romania. Archimandrite Aristovoulos san in Greek whilst Mr Rimon Kamar sang in Arabic, in the presence of His Excellency the Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem, Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis. A large crowd attended the service, including local members of St James parish, as well as nuns and pilgrims from Greece, Romania and Russia.

During Communion, His Beatitude preached the Word of God in Greek.

The board members of St James Cathedral delivered the church keys to Patriarch Theophilos as a token of obedience and recognition of the Patriarchate’s ownership, whilst the Patriarch returned the keys to them according to custom. Finally, His Beatitude distributed eulogias to all pilgrims.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/gVeL9-07GzQ

httpv://youtu.be/QMBpU0RSoD8

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPPw9XQdmcI

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4adU1Z0DHtA