On Saturday, the 8^th/21^st 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

On Monday, the 3^rd/16^th 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 4^th 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 3^rd of November, the day on which we celebrate the translation of the saint’s relics, whilst the 23^rd 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

A. In Jerusalem

On Monday, the 3^rd/16^th 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 2^nd/15^th 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

1. IN JERUSALEM

On Sunday, the 26^th of October/8^th 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 26^th of October/8^th 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

On Thursday, the 23^rd of October/5^th 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

On Wednesday, the 15^th/28^th of October 2015, Doxology was performed at the katholikon of the Church of the Resurrection in commemoration of the 28^th of October 1940 National Day.

Doxology was held in the form of gratitude to God for liberating the Greek nation from the 1940-1944 German occupation, and also of supplication for the repose of the soul of those who fought heroically against the tyrant and fell gloriously for the national cause.

Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem led the Doxology with co-officiating Primates and Hagiotaphite Hieromonks, in the presence of Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis, Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem. The service was attended by members of the Greek parish of Jerusalem and of the Rum Orthodox Arabic-speaking flock.

On the conclusion of the service, the Patriarch, Primates and guests walked to the Patriarchate, where His Beatitude addressed everyone in Greek, referring to the Greeks’ struggle against Nazism as a great miracle of mental strength, love for the homeland and unwavering faith to the Crucified and Resurrected Lord.

Mr Zacharoudiakis, the Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem, also addressed guests in Greek, saying that the 28^th of October has been indelibly marked on our collective consciousness as a foundation of national identity. “Hellenism across the world”, said the Consul-General, “celebrates this day as one of the most glorious chapters in the country’s recent history. Greeks celebrate their magnificent and unanimous decision to defend their moral stature and fight with self-denial for the preservation of their ideals, justice and liberty”.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfwRB6RIyv8

On Monday, the 13^th/26^th of October 2015, the Patriarchate observed the feast of the translation of the relics of St Savvas the Sanctified to the Monastery that was founded by him in the desert of Judea, on the west bank of Cedars stream.

The feast, set by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem on the 13^th/26^th of October, commemorates the fact that on the aforementioned day of the year 1965, the relics of St Savvas the Sanctified, that had been taken by the Crusaders to Venice, were returned by the Roman Catholic Church to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. At the time, the relics were accompanied by Metropolitan Basil of Caesarea and Germanus of Petra, the current Metropolitan of Nazareth, Kyriakos, then a deacon, and Archimandrite Seraphim of St Savvas Monastery. The relics were officially received at David’s Gate and for one week were exhibited for veneration at the Church of the Resurrection. Since then, the relics have been kept at the katholikon of St Savvas Monastery.

The feast was led by Patriarch Theophilos, who had arrived from Jerusalem for a night-long vigil. Co-officiating were Metropolitan Kyriakos of Nazareth; Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina; Metropolitan Joachim of Zambia; Archimandrite Evodkimos; Hieromonk Sergios, Hegoumen at St Spyridon Monastery; f. Ignatius, Hegoumen at the Monastery of the Shepherds; Archimandrite Ieronymos, Hegoumen at Fhes; Archimandrite Bartholomew, Hehoumen at John the Baptist Monastery in Jerusalem; Archimandrite Chrysostomos, Hegoumen at Kana, Galilee; Archdeacon Evlogios and deacon Anastasios; and Arabic-speaking presbyters. Archimandrite Philotheos, Hegoumen of Accra-Ptolemais sang in Greek and Arabic. In attendance were Hagiosabbite monks and other Hagiotaphites, as well as members of the Arabic-speaking flock from Bethlehem, Beit-Jala and the Village of the Shepherds, as well as pilgrims from Greece.

During Communion, the Patriarch preached the Word of God in Greek.

Upon the apolysis, kollyva (consecrated wheat), wine and rusk were offered at the narthex of the Monastery, followed by lunch blessed by His Beatitude.

On the conclusion of lunch, the Patriarch visited the Monastery of Hosios Theodosios the Cenobiarch before returning to Jerusalem.

From the Secretariat-General

On Wednesday, the 24^th of September/7^th of October 2015, the feast of St Thekla the Protomartyr and Equal to the Apostles, was observed by the Patriarchate at the chapel dedicated to her name, on the west of the monastic church of Sts Constantine and Helen.

St Thekla was a disciple of the Apostle Paul. After preaching Christianity, she passed away at Ikonion, Asia Minor, at the ripe age of ninety.

Patriarch Theophilos led Vespers and the divine Liturgy. Archimandrite Sergios, vicar at the church of Sts Constantine and Helen, officiated, with Primates and Hagiotaphite Fathers as concelebrants. Archimandrite Aristovoulos, sang as pilgrims, monks and nuns attended the service from the Chapel’s vestibule.

After Vespers, His Beatitude Theophilos and the Hagiotaphite Brotherhood were treated to rusk, wine and kollyva, namely boiled wheat, in the court of the Central Monastery. After the divine Liturgy, a reception was held at the Office of the Church Board, the Epitropikon.

From the Secretariat-General

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

On the 21^st of September/4^th of October 2015, the Sunday after the Elevation of the Holy Cross, the Patriarchate celebrated the aforementioned feast at the Holy Cross Chapel, in Nazareth.

The chapel stands on land owned by the Patriarchate in Nazareth. It was recently renovated by means of donations made by pious pilgrims from Greece, on the supervision of Archimandrite Hilarion, Hegoumen at Mount Tabor Monastery, and Metropolitan Kyriakos of Nazareth.

Patriarch Theophilos led the divine Liturgy having as concelebrants: Metropolitan Kyriakos of Nazareth, Archimandrite Aristarchos of Constantina, Archimandrite Ieronymos who served as leading priest, Archimandrite Hilarion, the Hegoumen of Mount Tabor Monastery, and Arabic-speaking priests from the Shrine of the Annunciation in Nazareth. Faithful from Nazareth and adjacent towns attended the service in piety.

During Communion, the Patriarch preached the Word of God in Greek.

Before the conclusion of the d. Liturgy, His Beatitude performed the rite of the Elevation of the Holy Cross for the blessing of the faithful and the town that lay gracefully beneath the chapel.

At noon, Metropolitan Kyriakos hosted His Beatitude and others to lunch at the Holy Metropolis.

From the Secretariat-General

On the 21^st of September/4^th of October 2015, the Sunday after the Elevation of the Holy Cross, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem observed the afterfeast celebration of the Elevation at the Monastery of the Holy Cross in West Jerusalem.

According to church tradition, at this ancient Monastery Lot had planted the tree of the cross, made of pine, cedar and cypress, that was used for the construction of the Temple of Solomon, and later for the Cross on which our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified.

Between 1845 and 1909 a Patriarchal Theological School operated at the Monastery. Several laymen and clerics graduated from the School, including the ever-memorable Chrysostomos Papadopoulos, Archbishop of Athens; Meletios Metaxakis, also Archbishop of Athens and Ecumenical Patriarch; Archimandrite Kallistos Miliaras and others.

The Archbishop of Lydda led the divine Liturgy at the central church of the Monastery having as concelebrants Archimandrite Kallistos, the Hegoumen, Archimandrite Claudius and Hierodeacons Markos and Charalambos. The Greek Consul-General in Jerusalem was in attendance.

Before the apolysis, the officiating Primate performed the rite of the Elevation of the Cross as a blessing of the faithful and the Monastery.

After mass, Archimandrite Claudius hosted the Primatial Retinue and members of the flock to a reception at his quarters and later to lunch.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8YThpQB–0

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXetz1bwP7M