On Tuesday, the 23^rd of April/6^th of May 2014, the Divine Liturgy was conducted at the Patriarchate of Romania’s Church of St George the Great Martyr, which lies in the new Western city of Jerusalem, at the center of the religious Jews quarter, next to Mandel Baum, border gate between Israel and Jordan since 1967.

His Beatitude Theophilos, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, led the Divine Liturgy, responding to an invitation by His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of Romania, in the context of the restoration of ecclesiastical communion signed by the two Churches.

Co-officiating with His Beatitude were His Eminence Archbishop Dorotheos of Avila and the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, alongside priests, two priests of the Romanian Church, the master-of-ceremonies, Archimandrite Porphyrios, the head of the church, Archimandrite Timotheos, and Archdeacon Evlogios. The head-cantor of the Church of the Resurrection, Archimandrite Aristovoulos, chanted with nuns and novice nuns. Also in attendance was Mrs Andrea Pastarnac, Romanian Ambassador to Israel.

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

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the head of St George Church welcomed His Beatitude as a herald of blessing, joy, peace and reconciliation between the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Patriarchate of Romania.

From the Secretariat-General

In the early hours of Sunday, the 21^st of April/4^th of May 2014, the Sunday of the Myrophorae, a Joint Patriarchal and Multi-Primatial Liturgy was conducted at the All-holy Church of the Resurrection and the Holy Sepulcher, on the occasion of the official visit to the Patriarchate of His Eminence Archbishop Leo of Finland.

The progression began, amidst bells ringing, from the gates of the Central Monastery to the Church of the Resurrection.

Upon entering the katholikon, the officiating Primate, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, put on a mantle and rose to the Throne.

Following hymns of the Ninth Ode, His Beatitude stepped into the Holy Bema, where he embraced the Archbishop of Finland and the other Prelates, whereupon they all put on their liturgical garments.

From there, they proceeded to the Holy Sepulcher, where the Joint Patriarchal and Multi-Primatial Liturgy began, led by His Beatitude Theophilos. Co-officiating were His Eminence Leo, Archbishop of Karelia and All Finland; the Most Reverend Isychios, Metropolitan of Kapitolias; their Eminences, Archbishops Dorotheos of Avila, Aristarchos of Constantina and Demetrios of Lydda; and Bishops visiting from the Church of Russia. Concelebrants were the Very Reverend Innocent, Bishop of Vladivostok; a crowd of hieromonks and priests, Archdeacon f. Evlogios and hierodeacon f. Agapios. The head-cantor of the Church of the Resurrection, Archimandrite Aristovoulos, sang with students at the Patriarchal School in Greek, Russian and Romanian, in the presence of the faithful, who also received Communion.

Before the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch Theophilos addressed Archbishop Leo in Greek.

The service was followed by a brief reception hosted by the Elder Sacristan, His Eminence Isidoros, Archbishop of Hierapolis.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/baeeg4_xC_k

On Tuesday the 16^th/29^th of April 2014, His Eminence, Archbishop Leo of Karelia and All Finland visited the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, accompanied by three clerics, a nun and a subdeacon.

Earlier on the same day, the Archbishop of Finland was welcomed at Ben Gurion Airport by the Most Reverend Isychios, Metropolitan of Kapitolias; His Eminence Theophylaktos, Archbishop of Jordan, and the Director of the Christian Affairs Department at the Israeli Ministry of Religious Affairs, Mr Cesar Margie.

At 6:00 pm of the same day, the Archbishop of Finland was officially welcomed at David’s Gate by the representative of the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Patriarchal Commissioner Isychios, Metropolitan of Kapitolias, and Hagiotaphite Fathers. Also present were representatives of the Christian Churches in Jerusalem, Mr Cesar Margie, the Finnish Ambassador to Israel, Mrs Leena-Kaisa Mikkola, and a crowd of Orthodox people.

From there, they walked to the Patriarchate to meet His Beatitude Theophilos and, amidst bells ringing, they proceeded to the All-holy Church of the Resurrection.

There, the two Prelates venerated at the Holy Apokathelosis whereas the Archbishop of Finland blessed the burned incense.

They went on to venerate at the Holy Sepulcher, where the Gospel of the Resurrection was read out in Finnish by the Archbishop of Finland.

From there they entered the Katholikon, where Doxology was performed.

After Doxology, His Beatitude made an address in Greek, reached here in English: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2014/04/29/6588

The addresses were followed by veneration at the Holy Golgotha and return to the Patriarchates.

At the Patriarchates, His Beatitude the Patriarch of Jerusalem addressed the Archbishop of Finland in Greek, reached here in English: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2014/04/29/6584

His Beatitude went on to decorate the Archbishop of Finland with the Grand Cross of the Knights Order of the Holy Sepulcher for His contribution to ecclesiastical life and the prevalence of justice and peace. He also offered Him a set of prelatic engolpiya, an icon of Theotokos and the book of Chrysostomos Papadopoulos on the Church of Jerusalem. Also offered were Jerusalemite icons to the members of His retinue.

Extending thanks for the decoration and reception, His Eminence the Archbishop of Finland offered His Beatitude a miraculous icon of Theotokos from the Monastery of Valamo of the Orthodox Church of Finland, bearing the name “Jerusalemite”.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/UIzrodV6UZI

On St Thomas Sunday, the 14^th/27^th of April 2014, the Patriarchate commemorated the touching of the resurrected Lord by His disciple Thomas, at the All-holy Church of the Resurrection.

1. Vespers

On Saturday evening, the Ninth Hour was recited at the Monastic Church of Sts Constantine and Helen, followed by progression to the Church of the Resurrection, veneration at the Holy Apokathelosis, the Holy Sepulcher and Golgotha, the ringing of the bells and the Censing.

Vespers was led by the Patriarchal Commissioner, the Most Reverend Isychios, Metropolitan of Kapitolias, with concelebrant Prelates. The Head Cantor of the Church of the Resurrection, Archimandrite Aristovoulos, sang with the choir of students at the Patriarchal School in the presence of several pilgrims from Greece and Russia.

1. The Divine Liturgy

At 7:30 am of the morning of the Sunday of Thomas, the Hagiotaphite Brotherhood proceeded to the All-Holy Church of the Resurrection, venerated at the Holy Apokathelosis and the Holy Sepulcher and entered the Katholikon.

The Divine Liturgy was led by the Patriarchal Commissioner, the Most Reverend Isychios, Metropolitan of Kapitolias, with concelebrant Hagiotaphite Hieromonks and Hierodeacons in the presence of pious pilgrims from Greece, Cyprus, Russia and Romania. The Head Cantor of the Church of the Resurrection, Archimandrite Aristovoulos, sang in Greek, Russian, Romanian and Arabic.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the Hagiotaphite Retinue, headed by the Patriarchal Commissioner, proceeded to the Patriarchates, where the Most Reverend Isychios spoke on the Sunday of Thomas or Antipascha, before the exchange of festive wishes.

From the Secretariat-General

On Bright Monday, namely the 8^th/21^st of April 2014, the feast of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ was celebrated for the Hagiotaphite Fathers and pilgrims at the Holy Monastic Church of Sts Constantine and Helen.

Officiating at the Divine Liturgy was His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, with co-praying Hagiotaphite Prelates, Hieromonks, deacons and monks, in the presence of a crowd of joyful pilgrims.

The service was followed by progression to the Patriarchates, His Beatitude dressed in a mantle, and the priests dressed in sacerdotal garments, while the Head Cantor of the St Constantine Church, Archimandrite Evsevios, chanted “Christ Has Risen” and “Let us shine in the light of the Resurrection”.

At the Patriarchate, a supplication was made, and the Patriarchal Polychronism chanted.

The ceremony was followed by the fraternal embrace of forgiveness.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/g3bL1KSACZE

On Easter Sunday, the 7^th/20^th of April 2014, at 1:00 pm, the Hagiotaphite Fathers gathered in the Hall of the Throne.
There, after the Paschal Embrace and while Archimandrite Aristovoulos, Head Cantor of the Church of the Resurrection, chanted the Byzantine “Christ Has Risen”, His Beatitude, the Prelates and Priests put on their white Paschal garments and read out the Ninth Hour of Easter: “Christ Has Risen”, “Having Viewed the Resurrection of Christ…”

After the Ninth Hour, amidst bells ringing and as Prelates carried Evangelistaria, the official, magnificent procession began of the icon of the Resurrection to the Holy Sepulcher through Christian Street.

Before the Holy Court, a supplication was made, followed by entry into the Katholikon, where the Easter Vespers was held.

After the Great Entrance, the Gospel of John was read out, on the first appearance of the Lord to His disciples, and Thomas’ doubting, expressed through these words:

“Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe” in Greek, Arabic, Russian, Hebrew, Romanian, English and German.

At the conclusion of Vespers, the Hagiotaphite Fathers proceeded to the Patriarchate, praising the Lord for having offered them this feast.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/79rZUiUeiG4

The Patriarchal Commissioner in Qatar, His Eminence Makarios, Archbishop of Qatar, forwarded the following message to the Website of the Patriarchate, on the celebrations for the Holy Week and Easter in Qatar:

“Within an atmosphere of piety and devoutness, the flock of the Holy Archbishopric of Qatar participated in the Sacraments of the Church and the Services of the Holy Week, culminating at the Resurrection of our Lord.

The participation of the Orthodox faithful to the Holy Services, both from the capital of Doha and from other cities of the Emirate, was larger than in previous years.

The services were held in Greek, Arabic, Slavic, Serbian, Romanian and English, for the ampler participation of the polyglot flock. The cantors marvelously performed the hymns, while the choirs chanted the Engomia (Praises) of the Holy Friday in various languages”.

From the Secretariat-General

At midnight of the Great Saturday to Easter Sunday, the 6^th to the 7^th/19^th to 20^th of April 2014, the Matins service and the Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom were held at the All-holy Church of the Resurrection. For this brilliant feast, the Hagiotaphite Brotherhood proceeded amidst bells ringing to the Church of the Resurrection.

pon their arrival, the Patriarchal Retinue proceeded through a dense crowd of pilgrims to the Katholikon. There, His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, rose to the throne while the Head Cantor of the Church, Archimandrite Aristovoulos, chanted the Canon of the Holy Saturday with his choir of students at the School of Sion.

During the 9^th Ode of the Canon, His Beatitude stepped out of the Katholikon, for the procession to begin around the Holy Sepulcher. The procession was followed by Matins with the reading out of the Gospel of Mark: “When the Sabbath ended…”, “Christ Has Risen” and Easter Matins through the nine Odes, the Canon of the Resurrection.

At the conclusion of Matins, the Divine Liturgy began, during which the participating crowd proclaimed “Christ Has Risen” in Greek, Arabic, Russian and Romanian, so earnestly that the Divine Liturgy could hardly be heard.

The service was led by His Beatitude Theophilos. Co-officiating were the Most Reverend Isychios, Metropolitan of Kapitolias; their Eminences the Archbishops: Dorotheos of Avila, Aristarchos of Constantina, Methodios of Tabor and Theodosios of Sebaste; and Archbishop Theodosius, visiting from the Patriarchate of Serbia; Hieromonks and priests visiting from other Orthodox Churches; Archdeacon Evlogios and deacons Martyrios and Dionysios. Archimandrites Aristovoulos and f. Joseph of Mount Athos chanted in the Byzantine style, while the faithful participated in piety.

Before the Apolysis, His Beatitude read out the catechizing speech of St John Chrysostom: “He who is pious and devout…”

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, priests offered the Holy Communion and the antidoron (blessed bread) to the congregation, whereas His Beatitude proceeded to the Central Monastery, where he was treated to cheese and Easter egg.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/f_lRqCyM6F8

At noon of the Holy Saturday, the 7^th/19^th of April 2014, the ceremony of the Holy Light took place at the Patriarchate of Jerusalem in accordance with its typical order.

This particular ceremony ranks among the most emotive and significant held at the Patriarchate.

To officiate at the ceremony, His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, proceeded along St James’ steps, accompanied by Hagiotaphite Fathers, clerics from other Churches, the Greek Church delegation under the Most Reverend Georgios, Metropolitan of Thivae and Levadeia, and the Greek State delegation under His Eminence the Under-Secretary of the Interior, in order to receive the Holy Light.

His Beatitude entered the Holy Bema, followed by Armenian and Coptic clerics, who were to receive the Patriarch’s blessing.

There, His Beatitude was also greeted by missions from the Orthodox Churches of Russia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Poland, intended to receive the Holy Light.

The Church of the Resurrection was since the early morning hours replete with pilgrims.

Exiting the Holy Bema, His Beatitude blessed the Holy Entrance, upon which a procession began thrice around the Holy Sepulcher, amidst chanting of Resurrection troparia.

After the third procession, His Beatitude removed His attire and, wearing only the alb, entered the Aedicula and the interior of the Holy Sepulcher, followed by the Armenian cleric, who waited at the Angel’s Stone.

In prayer, His Beatitude offered the Holy Light to father Issa, the Arab-speaking Orthodox priest of St James. Running, the priest offered the light to the faithful waiting under the seven arches and in the Holy Bema.

Then, His Beatitude, holding candles, offered the light to the faithful from the gates of the Holy Aedicula. The faithful received the light with anticipation and enthusiasm, so that through it they would be blessed to approach the light of Christ’s Resurrection.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/bnOkLF8o5nE

On the night of Holy Friday, the 5^th/18^th of April 2014, the devout and magnificent service of the Epitaphios was held at the All-holy Church of the Resurrection in remembrance of the Burial of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The ceremony was led by His Beatitude Theophilos, our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem. Co-officiating were Hagiotaphite Prelates and Prelates from other Orthodox Churches: the Very Reverend Theodosius, Bishop of Raska and Prizre, visiting from the Patriarchate of Serbia; the Very Reverend Georgios, Bishop of Siemiatycze, visiting from the Church of Poland; and Hagiotaphite Hieromonks and priests visiting from other Churches. Attending the service were Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis, the Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem, former Greek Ambassador to Jordan, Mr Heracles Asteriades and Mr Petros Panagiotopoulos, former Consul-General to Jerusalem. A great crowd of Orthodox faithful, Greeks, Russians, Romanians and Cypriots prayed during the ceremony, while Archimandrite Aristovoulos, Head Cantor of the Church of the Resurrection, chanted with his choir.

The devout ceremony of the Epitaphios included the Canon “On a sea wave”, a procession along the holy shrines and ascent on the Horrendus Golgotha, the reading out of the Evangelic pericope of the Crucifixion by the Patriarch and a rotation thrice around the Apokathelosis (Deposition) with the heileton. The Gospel of the Apokathelosis was read out by the Patriarch and followed by rotation thrice around the Holy Sepulcher and the three Stases of the Engomia (Praises).

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

The service was concluded with Doxology within the Holy Bema.

It was a pious service performed in order and harmony, despite the fact that it lasted until 3:00 am of the Holy Saturday.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/nxw1zdEf2e8

httpv://youtu.be/bP78M8mmAzs

httpv://youtu.be/3hCP8-0uA8k