On Saturday the 12^th/26^th of October 2013, the feast of the translation of the relics of our hosios Father, Savvas the Consecrated, was celebrated at the Holy Monastery founded by him in the desert of Judea.

The feast is rooted in the fact that on this aforementioned day of October in the year 1965, the relics of the hosios, which were kept in Venice since the time of the Crusaders, were returned to the Holy Monastery under the Roman-Catholic Church.

Overnight celebrations were led by His Beatitude Theophilos, Our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem, who arrived at the Monastery from the evening of the same day, whereupon he was warmly received by Archimandrite Evdokimos and his retinue, co-officiating prelates: their Eminences the Archbishops of Gerasa and Constantina, Theophanes and Aristarchos respectively, Hagiotaphite Hieromonks and wedded Arab-speaking priests and deacons. Arab-speaking faithful from Bethlehem, Shepherds Village and Beit Jalla piously participated in the celebrations.

Consecrated wheat (kollyva) was distributed after the divine Liturgy, followed by lunch.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/qxEXRw5XuJg

On Monday the 24^th of September/7^th of October 2013, the feast of St Thekla, Great-Martyr and Equal to the Apostles, was celebrated by the Hagiotaphite Brotherhood at the chapel dedicated to her memory within the Central Monastery which lies to the west of the Church of Sts Constantine and Helena.

Vespers was held in the evening by the week’s vicar, while his fellow vicars participated during the Great Entrance and the Breaking of Bread. Hagiotaphite Prelates, Hieromonks and monks joined them in prayer.

At the end of the Vespers, the members of the Holy Sepulcher sat at the forecourt of the Church of Sts Constantine and Helena and received the kollyva (consecrated wheat), wine and bread.

On the day of the feast, His Beatitude Theophilos, our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem, who only just arrived from Serbia, led the Matins and the Divine Liturgy. Co-officiating was Archimandrite f. Kallistos while Hagiotaphite Fathers, monks, nuns and laymen participated in piety.

After the Divine Liturgy, the Hagiotaphite Fathers gathered at the Epitropikon [office of the Church Board] where they received the kollyva, bread and refreshments. They also accepted His Beatitude’s wishes for health and peace and that they be protected by Saint Thekla, the Equal to the Apostles.

From the Secretariat General

On Sunday the 16^th/29^th of September, the Sunday after the Exaltation, the feast of the universal Exaltation of the Venerable Cross was celebrated in Nazareth. The feast was held at the chapel of the Holy Cross, which lies next to the estate of the Patriarchate, and is known as Qasr El-Mutran (Bishop’s Castle). The chapel was renovated a few years ago under the supervision of the Hegoumen of the Holy Monastery of Mount Tabor, Archimandrite f. Hilarion, and at the expense of a pious pilgrim from Greece.

H.B. Theophilos, Patriarchate of Jerusalem , led the Matins and the divine Liturgy. Co-officiating were the Most Venerable Kyriakos, Metropolitan of Nazareth; His Eminence Aristarchos, Archbishop of Constantina and Elder Secretary-General; the Patriarchal Commissioner in Bethlehem, His Eminence Theophylaktos, Archbishop of Jordan; the Hegoumens of Tabor Monastery, Archimandrite f. Hilarion and Tiberias Monastery, Archimandrite f. Timotheos; and the Arab-speaking Presbyter of the area of Nazareth, f. Ioannis Samaa. Members of the Arab-speaking Greek Orthodox Community (Rum Orthodox) of Nazareth participated in piety, chanting.

During the Koinonikon, H.B. preached the word of God.

Before the apolysis (conclusion) of the d. Liturgy, His Beatitude performed the procession of the Elevation of the Venerable Cross outdoors, raising the cross to the fourth points of the horizon so as to sanctify the faithful and the universe.

A small reception followed in the open area of the chapel, whilst lunch was hosted at the Metropolis by the Most Venerable Kyriakos, Metropolitan of Nazareth.

From the Secretariat-General

On Sunday the 16^th/29^th of September 2013, the first Sunday after the feast of the Exaltation of the Venerable Cross, the universal Exaltation of the Venerable Cross was celebrated at the Monastery of the Holy Cross which lies in West Jerusalem, next to the Jewish House of Parliament, on the site where according to church tradition, Lot, Abraham’s nephew, planted the tree of triplet seeding – pine, cedar and cypress. Timber from the same tree was used for the construction of the Temple of Solomon, and at a later time for the cross on which our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified for our salvation.

At this historical Monastery of the Patriarchate, once the seat of a Theological School (1845-1909) which offered the Church eminent clerics and Theologians, the divine Liturgy was held, led by His Eminence Demetrios, Archbishop of Lydda. Co-officiating were Hagiotaphite Hieromonks and deacons, whilst devout pilgrims from the Greek Parish and the Arab-speaking flock participated in piety.

At the conclusion of the divine Liturgy, the Hegoumen Archimandrite f. Claudius hosted a small reception for the Prelatic Retinue at the Hegoumen’s Quarters, whilst pilgrims were treated in the forecourt of the Holy Monastery.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/MAAX4Fu9vwQ

On Friday, the 14^th/27^th of September 2013, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem celebrated in great magnificence and glory the Exaltation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross, in remembrance of the fact that after it was found on the hill of the Horrendous Golgotha, and at the conclusion of the construction of the All-holy Church of the Resurrection, on the day of its dedication, it was elevated by Archbishop Makarios of Jerusalem and St Helena so that it would be visible to the great crowd of pious pilgrims who had gathered there from afar.

I: On the Eve of the Feast

On the evening of Thursday, the 9^th Hour was read out in the monastic Church of Sts Constantine and Helena, followed by the official transfer of the Cross amid ringing bells (as shown in the highlight from the Eve of the feast) through Christian Street to the All-holy Church of the Resurrection, its reception by His Beatitude Theophilos at the Apokathelosis [Removal of Christ from the Cross] the Incensing and the veneration at the Holy Sepulcher; the veneration by Prelates and members of the Synod at the Horrendous Golgotha, the ringing of the bells and incensing with myrrh of all sites of pilgrimage by deacons.

The rest of the Vespers Procession followed, with the Great Entrance and the Breaking of the Bread.

II On the day of the feast

On the morning of Friday the 14^th/27^th of September 2013, at 7:00 am, the official transfer took place from the Central Monastery to the All-Holy Church of the Resurrection.

Upon entrance to the Church, His Beatitude Theophilos who led the rite, venerated the Holy Apokathelosis and the All-Holy Sepulcher; then, entering the katholikon, he gave blessings and rose to the Throne.

The divine Liturgy followed at the katholikon, led by His Beatitude Theophilos. Co-officiating were Hagiotaphite Prelates and the Most Reverend Panteleimon, Metropolitan of Xanthe, Hagiotaphite Priests and visiting Priests and Presbyters of other Orthodox Churches, as well as hierodeacons, in the presence of the Consul-General of Greece to Jerusalem, Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis. Several pilgrims from Greece, Russia, Cyprus and faithful from the Church of Jerusalem participated in piety.

At the conclusion of the divine Liturgy, the rite of the Elevation of the Holy Cross began from the solea (passageway before the Holy Doors) of the katholikon.

Exiting the katholikon, the litany proceeded to the site of the discovery of the Holy Cross by St Helena.

There, His Beatitude elevated the Holy Cross to the four points of the horizon in order to sanctify the entire universe.

At the conclusion of the litany, participants proceeded, amid ringing bells, to the Patriarchate.

There, His Beatitude made an address in Greek, which may be found here: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/gr/2013/09/27/9473

Spoken in Arabic by f. Charalambos, the speech may be read here: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2013/09/21/2722

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/XaKZx2ex2QE

On Thursday the 13^th/26^th of September 2013, the Patriarchate commemorated the Inauguration of the All-holy Church of the Resurrection.

The feast took place in remembrance of the fact that at the completion of the construction of the Church of the Resurrection in 336 AD, Constantine the Great called the Bishops who had gathered for a Synod in Tyre, Sidon, and in magnificence, under Archbishop Makarios of the Church of Jerusalem, held the Inauguration of the All-holy Church of the Resurrection, for which the rich theological hymnology of the day says that: “the Lord demonstrated the beauty of the temple of His glory below, akin to the grace of the firmament above”.

To commemorate this great ecclesiastical and historical event, a divine Liturgy was held at the Katholikon of the All-holy Church of the Resurrection, led by His Eminence Demetrios, Archbishop of Lydda and Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod. Co-officiating were Hagiotaphite Archimandrites, Hieromonks and Hierodeacons in the company of several pilgrims, who had arrived to celebrate the Elevation of the Holy Cross.

At the end of the divine Liturgy, the Prelatic retinue was respectfully received by His Beatitude Theophilos, our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/Df2X-ZJayCE

The feast of the Nativity of Theotokos was celebrated, due to pastoral reasons, at a day’s delay, on Sunday the 9^th/22^nd of September 2013, in the Church dedicated to the Nativity of Theotokos in the town of Beit Jala.

The town, on the West Bank of the Jordan river, lies at a short distance from Rachel’s Tomb, on the road from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. It numbers approximately 15.000 Christians and Muslims, about 5.000 Orthodox, one church of whom is dedicated to St Nicholas, and the other to the Nativity of Theotokos.

To this holy church, which commemorates 150 years since its foundation, His Beatitude Theophilos, Our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem, arrived from Jerusalem to lead the Divine Liturgy. His Beatitude was received at the Hegoumen’s Quarters by the Hegoumen, Archimandrite Narkissos. Co-officiating were His Eminence Aristarchos, Elder Secretary-General and Archbishop of Constantina; His Eminence Theophylaktos, Patriarchal Commissioner in Bethlehem and Archbishop of Jordan; His Eminence Philoumenos, Patriarchal Commissioner in Irbet and Archbishop of Pella; the Hegoumen of Beit-Jala, Archimandrite Narkissos; the vicars of the Greek Orthodox Community of Beit-Jala, fathers Nikolaos, Georgios, Yusef and Pavlos; the Hegoumen of the Monastery of St George Beit-Jala, Archimandrite Ananios and other priests; Archdeacon Athanasios and deacon f. Eulogios. The choir of Beit-Jala sang under the direction of Mr Ibrahim Karkar and Mr Nindal Samaan, in the presence of a great crowd of pious participants from the Orthodox congregation in Beit-Jala.

During the Koinonikon of the Divine Liturgy, His Beatitude preached the Word of God to the faithful.

The ceremony was attended by the honourable Consul-General of Greece in Jerusalem, Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis and the town’s Municipal Authorities, Acting Mayor Mr Abu-Yusef and others.

At the end of the ceremony, a litany took place which had as participants a great crowd of faithful. Leading the litany were members of the Boy Scouts. A reception followed in the Parish Hall, with lunch offered at the hall of the Beit-Zala group.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/Q4W5W0_UsyQ

Celebrated on Saturday the 8^th/21^st of September 2013, was the feast of the Nativity of Theotokos, fruit of the womb of the formerly barren St Anne, through her connection to St Joachim, and vessel for the incarnation by the Holy Spirit of God’s one and only Son and Logos, Our Lord Jesus Christ, for our salvation.

In commemoration of this feast, a nocturnal divine Liturgy was held at the All-Holy Sepulcher; a divine Liturgy at the Bier of the Mother of God, led by His Eminence Demetrios, Archbishop of Lydda, ministered by students at the Patriarchal School of Sion; as well as a divine Liturgy at the monastic church of Sts Constantine and Helena the Hagiotaphites, which was attended by His Beatitude Theophilos, our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem, together with Fathers of the Holy Sepulcher and pilgrims.

Subsequently, at the Epitropikon (room of the board), His Beatitude wished for the Fathers of the Holy Sepulcher the protection and mediation of the All-Holy Mother of God who was born of a barren womb, the ever virgin Mary.

From the Secretariat-General

On Wednesday the 29^th of August/11^th of September 2013, the Patriarchate commemorated the beheading of John the Baptist.

On the day of this venerable feast, a divine Liturgy was performed in the ancient church of St John the Baptist which lies in the Old City of Jerusalem, near the Church of the Resurrection. His Eminence Demetrios, Archbishop of Lydda, led the liturgy, with co-officiating Hieromonks and Deacons. Attending the liturgy were local pilgrims, monks, and the students of the School of Our Lady of Sion.

The Hegoumen, Archimandrite f. Nikodimos, preached to the pious congregation the Word of God on St John the Baptist, the “greater among those born of women” (Luke 7,28) as attested by the Lord; the “voice calling in the wilderness” (Mark 1, 3), the one “preparing the way of the Lord” (Matthew 3, 3), the one who said: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”, the one who baptized the Lord (Mark 1, 9-12) and for the sake of prudence and justice died a martyr’s death (Matthew 14, 4) by beheading and whose head was “brought in on a platter” (Matthew 14, 11).

At the conclusion of the divine Liturgy, the hegoumen, Archimandrite f. Nikodimos, hosted a reception for the Prelatic retinue and the congregation.

During the divine Liturgy, His Beatitude Theophilos, Our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem, visited the Church in the company of Brothers of the Holy Sepulcher for veneration.

On the same day, before noon, His Beatitude, accompanied by the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop of Constantina, Aristarchos, visited the Holy Monastery of John the Baptist on the river Jordan, where the Hegoumen of the adjacent Monastery of Abba Gerasimus, Archimandrite f. Chrysostomos, had just completed the liturgy. There, His Beatitude was informed by the architect of the Church of the Resurrection, Mr Theodosios Mitropoulos, on the progress of maintenance and renovation works carried out there after damages caused during the six-day war. These works are underway upon financial aid provided by the Hegoumen of the Holy Monastery of Mount Sarantarion, Archimandrite f. Gerasimos.

Subsequently, His Beatitude visited the Holy Monastery of Abba Gerasimus, where he was informed on the works carried out there under the supervision of the Hegoumen, Archimandrite f. Chrysostomos.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/C1hvBjOXRW4

On the morning of Saturday the 25^th of August/7^th of September 2013, deacon f. Savvas Haj, was ordained a priest during the divine Liturgy on the Horrendous Golgotha by the Most Reverend Isychios, Metropolitan of Kapitolias. Thus far serving in the Metropolis of Accra-Ptolemais, f. Savvas is now meant to serve as vicar at the Greek Orthodox (Rum Orthodox) Community of the city of Abelin in Northern Israel, which comes under the Metropolis of Accra.

The ordained priest was accompanied by the Hegoumen of Accra, Archimandrite Philotheos, priests from the Accra region, his parents and his wife, the presbytera [priest’s wife]; also accompanying him were a group of his countrymen who in prayer participated in the Sacrament of Order, along with a group of pilgrims from Greece.

After the ordainment, the ordaining Prelate, the ordained priest and all participants went up to the Patriarchate where they received the blessings of His Beatitude Theophilos, our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem, and listened to His paternal words for the ordained priest on a diaconate appealing to both God and men.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/qeRIUa4GrZk