On Sunday, the 3^rd/16^th of November 2014, the translation of the relics of St George the Great Martyr and Trophy Bearer was commemorated at St George Church in Lydda, Israel, which is a center of worship for the Patriarchate’s Greek Orthodox Arab-speaking Community.

Commemorated on this particular feast-day is not only the Saint’s martyrdom, but also the translation of his holy relics, circa 305 AD, from Rome to his maternal place of origin, to be buried in Lydda where, according to the Acts of the Apostles, an early Christian community existed from the dawn of Christianity (Acts 9, 32-35).

On top of the saint’s grave in Lydda, Saint Helena built a magnificent church between 326 and 336 AD. The church survives to this day, even though one half of the building was conquered in unknown times and is being used as a mosque to this day.

The divine Liturgy was held on the morning of the feast-day, led by H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem. Co-officiating were His Eminence Damascene, Archbishop of Joppa; the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Archbishop Demetrius of Lydda, Hagiotaphite Hieromonks, Arab-speaking presbyters, Archdeacon Evlogios and Hierodeacon Dionysius. In attendance was the representative of the Greek Embassy to Israel, Mr Alexandros Gennimatas, the Cypriot Ambassador to Israel, Mr Panagis, and the Romanian Ambassador to Israel, Mrs Andrea. The choir of the Community of Lydda sang in Arabic, while a crowd of faithful (though not as many as last year, due to heavy rain) from the town and other areas of Israel and of the occupied areas proceeded to venerate at the Saint’s tomb.

During Communion, His Beatitude preached the Word of God in Greek. In Arabic, the homily may be reached here: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2014/11/16/8216

After the apolysis, the Abbot of the Shrine, Archimandrite Nicodemus, hosted guests to a reception at the Hegoumen’s Quarters, thanking His Beatitude for His interest in the flock. In His reply speech, the Patriarch said that St George is an ecumenical saint for all Churches, having suffered a martyr’s death for the love of Christ.

At noon, Abbot Nicodemus and the Community Council hosted lunch for His Beatitude and retinue, as well as for the Ambassadors of Orthodox states to Israel having attended mass, the Mayor of Lydda, members of the Community and other guests.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/YcvYUayj040

httpv://youtu.be/1zrzUlq5Ke4

On Saturday, the 2^nd/15^th of November 2014, the Most Reverend Kyriakos, Metropolitan of Nazareth, acting upon a decision of the Holy and Sacred Synod, ordained Mr Sergei Denishenko as deacon during a divine Liturgy performed at Golgotha. The newly-ordained shall initially serve as hierodeacon and, in due time, as a priest for the Russian-speaking flock in Nazareth and its environs.

In attendance at the ordination were relatives of the ordained from Nazareth, Hagiotaphite Fathers, nuns, and pilgrims from Greece and Russia.

After the ordination ceremony, the Prelatic Retinue proceeded to the Patriarchate, where His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, blessed the ordained and addressed him in paternal words with wishes for an honest diaconate to the benefit of the Russian-speaking flock in Nazareth and the glory of the Triadic God.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/4kkWxwcKv2A

On Friday, the 1^st/14^th of November 2014, the Most Reverend Kyriakos, Metropolitan of Nazareth, acting upon a decision of the Holy and Sacred Synod, ordained Greek-Orthodox, Arab-speaking Johnny Atras of Nazareth, as deacon during a divine Liturgy performed at Golgotha. The newly-ordained shall initially serve as hierodeacon and, in due time, as a priest for the Greek Orthodox Arab-speaking church community in Nazareth.

In attendance at the ordination were relatives of the ordained, accompanying him and the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Nazareth from Nazareth, Hagiotaphite Fathers, nuns, and pilgrims.

After the ordination ceremony, the Prelatic Retinue proceeded with the newly-ordained to the Patriarchate, to receive the blessings of His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, and listen to His paternal words with wishes for a devoted, God-pleasing diaconate to the benefit of the people.

From the Secretariat-General

On Saturday, the 26^th of October/8^th of November 2014, the feast of St Demetrius the Myrrh-bearer and great martyr was celebrated by the Patriarchate at the ancient chapel connecting the Central Monastery to St Demetrius School.

The Very Reverend Isychios, Metropolitan of Kapitolias, Patriarchate Commissioner, led the Vespers and the divine Liturgy on the day of the feast. Co-officiating were Hagiotaphite Hieromonks and Hierodeacons. The head cantor of the Church of Sts Constantine and Helen, Archimandrite Eusebius, sang alongside cantors of St Constantine church and students at the Patriarchal School of Sion. In attendance was the recently decorated Petros Solomou, pilgrim from Cyprus, with his esteemed wife, members of the Greek parish of Jerusalem, nuns, Greek Orthodox Arab-speaking faithful, as well as teachers and students of St Demetrius School.

The Word of God in Arabic was preached, on behalf of the Patriarch, by Protopresbyter f. Issa Mousleh, the Patriarchate’s Arab-speaking Mass Media liaison. See link: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2014/11/08/8046

After mass, His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, proceeded to venerate at the church, before inspecting and blessing the students’ achievements at the School workshop.

A small celebration followed, including St Demetrius’ Synaxarion, as well as a performance featuring festive songs and dances by younger students.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/m17D9vknuJE

httpv://youtu.be/mNlqzBYTYG8

On Friday, the 25^th of October/7^th of November 2014, the feast of the Great Martyr, St Demetrius the Myrrh-Bearer, was celebrated by the Patriarchate at the Church dedicated to him in the Greek Orthodox Community of Rafidia, a town in the city Nablus of Samaria, also home to Jacob’s Well.

The Divine Liturgy was led by H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem. Co-officiating were: the Most Reverend Metropolitan Kyriakos of Nazareth and their Eminences, Archbishops Aristarchos of Constantina and Theophylaktos of Jordan. Also in attendance were Hagiotaphite Hieromonks, i.e. the Abbot at Jacob’s Well and founder of the magnificent Church at the aforementioned pilgrimage site, Archimandrite Justinus, and Protosyncellus Leontios of St. Demetrius church. Priests from neighbouring towns and parishioners attended mass in piety, as the Head Cantor of the Church of the Resurrection, Archimandrite Aristovoulos, sang in Greek and the Community Choir sang in Arabic.

During the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch Theophilos preached the Word of God in Greek, saying among other things:

“St Demetrius was distinguished both for his piety and for this teaching contribution, namely the dissemination of the true faith in Christ, the Son of God and Saviour of the World. Being a faithful follower of Christ and preacher of the Gospels, Demetrius had in mind the words of the Lord to His disciples: “But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony”, (Luke 21, 12-13).

Which means that all persecutions and adversities shall have as their final outcome and result the testimony you shall give for my Gospel, so that this testimony shall test those who shall not be able to justify themselves on Judgment Day, for they had no hearkened the preaching of the gospel. The day of judgment shall be the hour “when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment”, (John 5, 28-29).

In Arabic, the speech may be reached here: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2014/11/07/8043

After the Divine Liturgy, the apolysis, and the distribution of consecrated bread (antidoron), a reception followed at the Abbot’s Quarters. At noon, lunch was offered by the town’s Municipal Council.

On the conclusion of the feast, His Beatitude visited Jacob’s Well before returning to Jerusalem.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/MJV-l4yFlfg

httpv://youtu.be/WK69ffxw1wI

On the 24^th of October/6^th of November 2014, a memorial service was held for the repose of the souls of the departed Patriarchs of Jerusalem at the chapel of the Forty Marts, which lies between St James Cathedral and the Church of the Resurrection.

Both the Vespers and the Divine Liturgy were led by His Eminence Theodosios, Archbishop of Sebaste. Co-officiating with him were Hagiotaphite Hieromonks and the vicars of St James Cathedral, fathers Issa Awad and Farah Bantour, as well as deacons chanting in the presence of Church Board members and parishioners.

On the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, consecrated wheat (kollyva) was offered at a hall adjacent to the church, where wishes were made for the repose of the soul of the late Patriarchs and for the firmness and perseverance of the mother of Churches. From there, participants proceeded to the Patriarchate, to pay their respect to Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem.

From the Secretariat-General

On Wednesday the 23^rd of October/5^th of November 2014, the Patriarchate celebrated the feast of the glorious St James the Brother of God, first Hierarch of the Church of Jerusalem, at the Cathedral dedicated to his name, which in fact serves as connecting pathway between the Hagiotaphite Brotherhood and the Church of the Resurrection.

St James the Brother of God is the Lord’s brother, being the son of Joseph, husband to Our Lady Theotokos. James was appointed by the Lord to be the first Bishop of the Church of Jerusalem, which he apostolically shepherded, writing a letter which is included in the New Testament, and leading, in 49 AD, the First Ecumenical Council. St James suffered a martyr’s death when Jews pushed him from the pinnacle of the Temple of Solomon, after he confessed that Jesus is the Son of God and Christ.

The Vespers and Divine Liturgy were led by Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem. Co-officiating with Him were the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, and Archbishop Theodosios of Sebaste. Archimandrite Stephanos led the Hagiotaphite Hieromonks. Also in attendance were the vicars at St James Cathedral, Steward Issa Awad and Presbyter Farah-Charalambos Bantour; Archdeacon Evlogios and deacon Dionysios. The cantors sang in Greek, Russian, and Arabic.

The Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem, Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis, attended the service with his esteemed wif, in the presence of Rum Orthodox parishioners, Greeks from the Greek parish, nuns and pilgrims from Greece and Russia. Patriarch Theophilos preached the Word of God in Greek.

After Communion and the conclusion of the service, the Patriarchal retinue proceeded to St Constantine’s terrace where they were joined by Prelates, and from there walked to the Patriarchate.

On the way, the heads of the Patriarchate’s Bakery, the Very Reverend Protosyncellus f. Paisios, Abbot at the Monastery of the Prophet Elias, and Nun Seraphima, Abbess at the Monastery of Seida Naya, distributed consecrated bread.

At the Patriarchate, a Deesis (Supplication) was made, and the Patriarchal Polychronism sang, before the officiants took off their sacerdotal vestments. At the Synodicon, His Beatitude addressed attendants in Greek.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/-lgri2WBO_g

On Friday, the 18^th/31^st of October 2014, H.B. Theophilos, our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem, held a memorial service for the repose of the soul of Said Houri, Greek Orthodox servant of God, at the Sacred Cavern of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

Said Houri owned C.C.C. Consolidated Consolidated Contractors Company, a colossus employing 275.000 across the world. He distinguished himself for his charity work to the benefit of the Palestinian nation, as well as of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

In attendance at the memorial service was the Patriarchal Commissioner in Bethlehem, His Eminence Theophylaktos, Archbishop of Jordan; the Patriarchal Commissioner, the Most Reverend Metropolitan Isychios of Kapitolias; the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Archdeacon Evlogios, f. Issa Mousleh, Arab-speaking Mass Media Liaison; the two sons of the departed, servants at the Bethlehem pilgrimage site, Mr George Bassous, General Manager at the Convention Center– which was built and maintained by the subvention of the departed – Palestinian Autonomy Minister, Mr Siyad Bandak, and other officials of the Palestinian Autonomy.

After the service, at the hegoumen’s quarters, the son of the late Said Houri thanked His Beatitude for performing the ceremony and expressed his will to carry on the cooperation initiated by his late father with the Patriarchate.

From the Secretariat-General

On Sunday, the 13^th/26^th of October 2014, the Patriarchate commemorated the translation of the relics of Hosios Savvas the Consecrated to his Holy Monastery in the desert of Judea, on the right bank of the Kidron torrent which flows from Jerusalem into the Dead Sea.

The feast commemorates the fact that the remains of Hosios Savvas, which had been taken by the Crusaders in Venice, were returned by the Roman Catholic Church to the Church of Jerusalem on the 13^th/26^th of October 1965.

A nocturnal vigil was held at Hosios Savvas Monastery, with the Divine Liturgy led by His Eminence, Archbishop Theophanes of Gerassa. In attendance were Hagiosabbite Fathers, Hagiotaphite Fathers from Jerusalem, and Greek Orthodox Arab-speaking faithful from the nearby villages of Bethlehem, Beit-Jalla and Shepherds Village or Beit-Sahour.

After the vigil, the Monastery’s spiritual father, the Very Reverend Archimandrite Evdokimos, offered kollyva with wine at the Monastery’s narthex, followed by lunch for the Prelatic retinue, the Fathers and the entire congregation.

From the Secretariat-General

On Monday the 7^th/20^th of October 2014, His Beatitude, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, blessed the monastic habit of Arab-speaking Mr John Atras and Russian-speaking Mr Sergei Denisenkov, both of Nazareth, in the presence of the Most Reverend Kyriakos, Metropolitan of Nazareth, in accordance with an earlier decision of the Holy and Sacred Synod. The blessing was performed in anticipation of their ordination as deacons, intended to serve our Greek Orthodox, Arab-speaking and Russian-speaking flock in Nazareth.

From the Secretariat-General