On Thursday, the 29^th of August/11^th of September 2014, the Patriarchate commemorated the beheading of John the Baptist at the Monastery dedicated to him, in the Christian quarter of Jerusalem, to the south of the Church of the Resurrection and the chapel of the Dependency of Gethsemane.

The event, passed down to the church by the Evangelists, is celebrated as a venerable day of gladdening mourning. On this day, the Church remembers that Herod, rebuked by John the Baptist for committing adultery with Herodias, his brother’s wife, killed “the greatest among those born of women” (Luke 7, 28). Surrendering to the biddings of the shameless Herodias, he delivered the Forerunner’s head, to be carried amongst the dinner guests on a platter by Salome (Matthew 14, 8-11).

His Eminence Philoumenos, Archbishop of Pella, Patriarchal Commissioner in Irbet, Northern Jordan, led the Vespers and the Divine Liturgy. Co-officiating were Hieromonks and Hierodeacons. The choir of the Church of the Resurrection performed under the direction of Archimandrite Aristovoulos with students at the Patriarchal School of Sion, in Greek, Arabic and Russian. Also in attendance were pious faithful from Jerusalem and pilgrims.

During the service, H.B. Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem proceeded to venerate with Hagiotaphite Fathers.

The Patriarchal and Prelatic retinues and all concelebrants were courteously hosted by the Hegoumen, Archimandrite Bartholomew at his quarters.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/sCTjKiTohBA

httpv://youtu.be/DQmEkkHBh-c

On the night of Saturday to Sunday, the 24^th to the 25^th of August/ 6^th to 7^th of September 2014, Hierodeacon Martyrios was ordained as Presbyter by the Most Reverend Isychios, Metropolitan of Kapitolias, during a nocturnal divine Liturgy at the Holy Sepulcher.

In attendance at the sacrament of the ordination were Hagiotaphite Fathers, nuns and pilgrims, praying with the ordained that he be firmly and fruitfully devoted to his hieratic diaconate. Before the ordainment, the ordaining Primate strengthened the ordained with spiritual words of consolation and guidance, as shown in the video below.

After the ordainment, the ordained priest f. Martyrios hosted those honouring him at the office of the Elder Sacristan, His Eminence Isidoros of Hierapolis.

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

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/SqCJIsTczjY

On Friday, the 23^rd of August/5^th of September 2014, the Patriarchate observed the Apodosis of the Dormition of Theotokos, namely the completion of eight days after the feast, as is the case with feasts of the Lord and the Mother of God.

A Divine Liturgy was performed on the morning of the aforementioned day at the Sepulcher of Theotokos in Gesthemane.

The Liturgy was followed by a procession of the icon of the Dormition, carried by the Hegoumen, Archimandrite Nektarios, through St Stephen’s Gate and the Via Dolorosa, St Charalambos Monastery and Christian Street, among Priests, monks and nuns. The head cantor of the Church of the Resurrection chanted alongside a flock of locals and pilgrims, venerating the icon.

At the junction between Christian and Patriarchate Streets, His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem proceeded to venerate with Hagiotaphite Fathers as well as the Greek Consul General to Jerusalem, Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis, and his esteemed wife.

The procession carried on until the Gethsemane Dependency, across from the Church of the Resurrection where, after a supplication and the Patriarchal Polychronism, the icon was put back in its place to mediate in favour of the Church of Jerusalem and all those believing in it.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/nCPu9h5oHpk

In fitting glory the Archbishopric of Qatar celebrated the feast of the Dormition of Theotokos. Due to local circumstances, the Dormition and the Service of the Lamentations of Theotokos were moved to Friday, the 16^th/29^th of August, in facilitation of the participation of the faithful, as Friday is a non-working day.

On the evening of Thursday, the 15^th/28^th of August, a Great Celebratory Vespers was held which included Breaking Bread, led by Archbishop Makarios of Qatar.

On the morning, after the Matins Service, the Lamentations of Theotokos were sang according to the order of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and were followed by a Primatial Divine Liturgy. Co-officiating with His Eminence Makarios were Archimandrite Stephanos and Protopresbyter Athanasios, and the vicars of the churches of St Isaac and St George. A crowd of faithful participated with respect and reverence for the All-holy Mother of God.

From the Secretariat-General

On Thursday, the 15^th/28^th of August 2014, the feast of the Dormition of Our Lady the Mother of God was observed at her Tomb in Gethsemane.

His Beatitude the Patriarch of Jerusalem led the Matins and Divine Liturgy of this magnificent feast. Co-officiating were the Patriarchal Commissioner, the Very Reverend Metropolitan Isychios of Kapitolias; the Exarch of the Holy Sepulcher in Cyprus, the Very Reverend Metropolitan Timotheos of Vostroi; the Elder Secretary-General, His Eminence Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina; the Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of Lydda; and the Exarch of the Holy Sepulcher in Constantinople, His Eminence Archbishop Nektarios of Anthedon – who led the Vespers on the previous day – Hagiotaphite Hieromonks and Arab-speaking Presbyters, as well as visiting priests. Archimandrite Aristovoulos sang in Greek and Russian, whereas the Cantors of St James Cathedral sang in Arabic. In attendance was the Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem, Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis, and a crowd of faithful praying to the Ever Virgin Mary for help and protection.

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

After the Holy Metalepsis (partaking of wine), the distribution of the holy bread and the Apolysis, the Patriarchal Retinue and others were hosted to a reception by the Hegoumen, Archimandrite Nektarios.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/1vt7saMGctQ

httpv://youtu.be/OpvS-NmvR4c

On the morning of Wednesday, the 14^th/27^th of August 2014, the service of the Engomia (Lamentations) of the Mother of God was held in Gethsemane, at her tomb.

The service, unique in the Orthodox Church, began with a long procession of Hagiotaphite Fathers, priests of the Orthodox Churches and pilgrims, from the Patriarchate to the Hegoumen’s Quarters in Gethsemane. The procession went across the Via Dolorosa, passed by the Monasteries of St Charalambos, the Praetorium, Sts Joachim and Anna, came out of the Lions Gate and walked through the Monastery of St Stephen.

At the Hegoumen’s Quarters, His Beatitude and Primates sat until the arrival of priests who, dressed in formal attire, took their places in the court of the Gethsemane Shrine and welcomed the Patriarch.

After blessing the incense, His Beatitude walked into the Church, following the priests and cantors under the direction of the Head Cantor of the Church of the Resurrection, Archimandrite Aristovoulos.

After venerating at the Tomb of the Mother of God, His Beatitude rose to the Throne. Once the Epitaphios (Bier) and the icon of the Dormition of Theotokos were placed by the priests at the center of the church, the service of the Lamentations began, having as participants a large crowd of locals and pilgrims. The Greek Consul-General in Jerusalem, Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis, was also in attendance.

The speech of the day was delivered by the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina.

On the conclusion of Doxology, the priests carried the Epitaphios to the Church’s entrance steps, where His Beatitude made a supplication for peace and benevolence in the whole world.

After the supplication, the Epitaphios was carried to the Platytera, on the south of the Tomb of the Mother of God, where another supplication was made, and the Patriarchal Polychronism was sang.

Once the service was concluded, Hegoumen Nektarios hosted the Patriarchal and Hieratic retinue, as well as pilgrims, to a nuts, figs and grapes reception, in honour of Our Lady the Mother of God, obediently and devotedly participating in the mystery of our salvation.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/kjY_C-ORH-4

httpv://youtu.be/oWzkV4ivPMg

httpv://youtu.be/s6OnSULl6mg

In the early hours of Monday, the 12^th/25^th of August 2014, the icon of Theotokos was carried in a procession from the chapel of Gethsemane opposite the Church of the Resurrection to the Tomb of the Virgin Mary in Gethsemane.

Archimandrite Nektarios, the Abbot at the Holy Shrine of Gethsemane, led the procession, carrying the icon of the Dormition, in the presence of Primates such as the Elder Secretary-General, the Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod and the Archbishop of Joppa. Hagiotaphite Hieromonks and nuns, as well as a large crowd of locals and pilgrims from Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Cyprus and Romania participated in the procession, whilst the Head Cantor of the Church of the Resurrection, Archimandrite Aristovoulos, sang troparia to the Theotokos.

The procession walked through the Via Dolorosa, in the opposite direction than that of the Lord’s path to the crucifixion, namely from Calvary to the Praetorium. Supplications were made at three stops, in front of the Praetorium, in front of the Monastery of Sts Joachim and Anne, and in front of the Monastery of St Stephen the First Martyr.

The procession terminated at the church of the Dormition in Gethsemane, where the icon was placed on the epitaphion behind the Tomb of the Virgin Mary and in front of the icon of the Platytera.

The procession was followed by Matins and the Divine Liturgy. Co-officiating was His Eminence Damaskinos, Archbishop of Joppa. Attending the procession in piety were faithful gathered in honour and glory of the Mother of God.

From the Secretariat-General

On Tuesday, the 6^th/19^th of August 2014, the feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ was observed at the Holy Monastery on Mount Tabor, where indeed it came to pass.

During this feast of the Lord, the Church commemorates the fact that, before His redeeming passion, Jesus Christ went up the mountain with Peter, James and John. Though not clearly referenced in the New Testament, the event has been made known by a very ancient ecclesiastical tradition.

On the mountain, a bright cloud covered the disciples and they saw the Lord, His face and clothes shining like the sun, talking with the prophets Moses and Elijah, foretelling His exodus, namely His crucifixion in Jerusalem; and they heard a voice from the cloud saying “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased”, (Matthew 17, 1-8).

The event was offered by the Lord to His disciples and the Church in order to demonstrate man’s original beauty, which he had lost after his fall and which may be regained through Him by the Transfiguration, namely the exquisite change, in order to prepare them for His glorious Resurrection from the dead.

A vigil was held on the night of the aforementioned day, led by H.B. Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem in Matins and the Divine Liturgy. Co-officiating were Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina; Metropolitan Polycarpos of Tanagra, visiting from Greece; the Patriarchal Commissioner in Northern Jordan, Archbishop Philoumenos of Pella; Hagiotaphite Archimandrites; the Hegoumen of the Monastery, Archimandrite Hilarion; priests from the Galilee area; and priests from Greece, Russia and Romania. Father Georgios Chardavelis of Greece chanted in Greek, whereas the choir sang in Arabic under the direction of Archimandrite Philoumenos. A great crowd of pious pilgrims from Russia, Ukraine and Greece enjoyed the blessing of this nocturnal open-air service.

His Beatitude preached the Word of God in Greek and in Arabic, see link: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2014/08/19/6932

On the morning of the same day, the Divine Liturgy was led by Metropolitan Kyriakos of Nazareth, with co-officiating priests from Galilee and Accra. Participating were Orthodox faithful from Galilee, Jerusalem, and the occupied areas.

After the Divine Liturgy, Archimandrite Hilarion hosted the Patriarchal and Prelatic Retinue to a reception at his quarters, followed by fish lunch at noon.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/B1XqqLy6ChI

httpv://youtu.be/YFQWBy7peqE

httpv://youtu.be/YFQWBy7peqE

On Saturday, the 27^th of July/9^th of August 2014, the Patriarchate commemorated St Panteleimon, the great martyr and healer, in the Church dedicated to him, which lies in the Christian quarter, between the Patriarchate and David’s Gate.

The chapel is one of the twenty chapels of the Patriarchate in the Old City. It used to be dedicated to St Cyril the Catechizer, Archbishop of Jerusalem.

The Vespers and Divine Liturgy on the day of the feast was led by His Eminence Damaskinos, Archbishop of Joppa. Co-officiating were Hagiotaphite Hieromonks and Arab-speaking Presbyters. The choir sang under the direction of the head-cantor of the Church of the Resurrection, Archimandrite Aristovoulos. Pious pilgrims, albeit few because of the turbulent situation in Gaza, participated in piety alongside nuns and residents of Jerusalem.

In the course of the Divine Liturgy, H.B. the Patriarch proceeded to venerate with Hagiotaphite Fathers.

After the Divine Liturgy, Abbess Charitini hosted all to a reception at her quarters.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TREQIwQEsc&list=UUUJ0Grl082n5ebQS0hXtc7g

On the afternoon of Friday the 26^th of July/8^th of August 2014, the funeral service for the late Hagiosabbite Monk, f. Photios, who had served as Principal at the Patriarchal School, was held at the Monastery of St Savvas the Consecrated.

The location was chosen per the wish of the departed, expressed during his treatment to the Exarch of the Holy Sepulcher in Greece, Archimandrite Damianos, who also arranged for the transfer of the body from Athens to Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv on a flight of El-Al Israeli airlines.

The funeral service was led by His Beatitude, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem. Co-officiating were the Patriarchal Commissioner, Metropolitan Isychios of Kapitolias; the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina; the Patriarchal Commissioner in Bethlehem, Archbishop Theophylaktos of Jordan; Archimandrite Evdokimos, the Monastery’s Spiritual Guide, and other Hagiotaphite Hieromonks. Praying with them were Hagiosabbite Fathers from the Monastery.

The funeral speech was delivered by the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina.

The remains of f. Photios was kept at St Nikolas chapel, where the funeral service was performed, until its burial, on the following day, at the Monastery’s cemetery.

At the conclusion of the service, His Beatitude praised the monastic and ascetic ethos of f. Photios, especially his unselfishness and non-ownership, and wished that his soul find repose and that his ethos be imitated by younger Hagiotaphite Fathers.

From the Secretariat-General