On Friday, November 16, 2018, there was a Christmas event with an artistic program from various local traditions at the courtyard between the Bishop’s Residence and the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Qatar.

The artistic program included up-to-date Christmas songs from the Russian-speaking choir “Kamerton”, the Mixed Choir of the Roman Catholic Church, the children of the Orthodox Sunday School and the dance club of the Greeks of Qatar, who danced traditional dances dressed in traditional Greek costumes.

Hand-made Christmas decorations, presents and items of worship were made with the hard-working participation of the Orthodox Ladies Association, the Youth, and other members of the flock, and were offered on sale for the reinforcement of the mission of the Archdiocese. Also on offer form various companies and ladies-members of the flock, was a great variety of delicacies from the Arabic, Greek, Serbian, Romanian, Moldavian, Russian and Ukrainian cuisines.

The event honoured with their presence the Ambassadors of Greece, of the Republic of Cyprus, and representatives of other denominations in Doha.

The great attendance of the Orthodox faithful of Qatar and members of other Christian Communities confirmed the success of this event.

  From the Archdiocese of Qatar

His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, Palestine and Jordan, concluded today a one-week vital visit to the United States Capital, Washington D.C., in his continuous international effort to advocate for justice and peace to the Holy Land.

His Beatitude launched his activities in Washington D.C. on November 13^th by attending the Templeton Prize ceremony as an honorary guest. The world-renowned prestigious Prize this year was awarded to His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan for his efforts promoting interfaith harmony, safeguarding Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites and protecting religious freedom.

His Beatitude also held meetings with senior U.S. officials at the White house, State Department as well as Republican and Democrat members of Congress, both of the House and Senate, to discuss issues relating to the Christian presence in the Holy Land as mandated by the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches of Jerusalem.

 Furthermore, Patriarch Theophilos III held comprehensive discussions with several heads and members of Think Tanks, Christian organization as well as community organization and leaders, including AHI and AHEPA, over the same topic of preserving Christian presence in the Holy Land.

From Secretariat-General

On Sunday afternoon, November 5/18, 2018, the President of the Houses of Parliament of the Republic of Cyprus Mr. Demetrios Syllouris visited the Patriarchate, escorted by the Deputy Director for Parliament Affairs Mr. Socrates Socratous, the Ambassador of Cyprus in Israel Mrs. Thessalia Siambou, and other collaborators of the Parliament of Representatives, such as the Manager of International Affairs Mrs. Evi Hatjiyianni, the International Relations Officer Mrs. Eleni Persiani and the Deputy Chief of the Mission of the Cyprus Embassy in Israel Mr. Chrysanthos Constantinou and the Director of the Office of the Cyprus Tourism Organization in Israel Mrs. Louiza Varakla.

The President of the Cyprus Parliament was warmly received by His Beatitude and Hagiotaphite Fathers. In this visit His Beatitude asked Mr. Syllouris to convey His thanksgiving to the President of the Republic of Cyprus Mr. Anastasiades, for his long-term as well as recent interest he has shown in favour of the Patriarchate.

His Beatitude also spoke on the mission of the Patriarchate for the preservation of the peaceful co-existence in the Holy Land and the good relations it keeps with Jordan, explaining that they began from the time of the memorable Patriarch Sophronios and Khalif Omar Khattab in the 7^th century.

As proof of the peaceful mission of the Patriarchate, His Beatitude mentioned the completed project of the renovation of the Sacred Edicule, two years ago.

In memory of this visit, the President of Parliament offered His Beatitude a plaque with a silver olive branch, while His Beatitude offered an icon of the Theotokos of Jerusalem and one of the Sacred Edicule and other blessings, and blessed them for their visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, wishing them a favourable outcome for the solution of the problem of Cyprus.

From Secretariat-General

On Sunday morning, November 5/18, 2018, His Beatitude our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos and Hagiotaphite Fathers received a 20-member group of pilgrims from the Anglican Church under their Bishop David Hamid and Priest William.

On this visit, His Beatitude explained to the visitors the significance of the city of Jerusalem as the Holy City and as the spiritual capital of the whole world, because this land had had the blessing of being watered by the redeeming blood of Christ and received Him buried in its vitals, from which, He was risen from the dead.  

In this one Holy City the Churches are called to perform a holy work of mission of peace and reconciliation, which is being made possible only by the help of its Founder.

Millions of people of various nationalities and religious denominations visit Jerusalem in order to become partakers of the holiness Jesus Christ offered to the City.

The aforementioned visitors thanked His Beatitude for their visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and for their welcoming, and received the blessing for the continuation of their pilgrimage.

From Secretariat-General

On Tuesday morning, October 24/ November 6, 2018, His Beatitude our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos, having being invited, addressed the Diocesan Synod (Majma) of the Anglican Church of Jerusalem, in Amman of Jordan. His Beatitude was escorted by the Most Reverend Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina. His Beatitude’s address at the Synod with the topic “The Ministry of Reconciliation” is below;

Your Grace, Dear Archbishop Suheil,

Dear Father Hosam,

Your Eminences,

Beloved Clergy of our respective Churches,

Sisters and Brothers,

It is always a deep joy for us to be with you, dear Archbishop Suheil, along with the clergy and people of your Diocese, and we greet you warmly as you gather for your annual diocesan synod. You have chosen a timely topic – the Ministry of Reconciliation – for this is the great mission of the Church, especially in the Holy Land and in the Middle East, and we recall the words of Saint Paul, who wrote;

“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us” (2 Cor. 5:18-19).

As we consider the theme of reconciliation, in the context of this synod, our mind naturally turns first to the work of reconciliation between the Anglican Community and the Orthodox Church in our joint international theological dialogue. Anglicans and Orthodox have enjoyed good relations for centuries, relations that have been built on mutual trust and respect. Our official dialogue is now almost half a century old, and we are enjoying the fruit of better understanding. At the recent meeting of the international dialogue, we were pleased that the Reverend Dr. George Dragas and Father Hosam were our respective representatives. They have made significant contributions to this dialogue.

This work of dialogue remains crucial for the well-being of our respective Churches as well as for our closer relationship here in the Middle East. We believe that our local relationship is contributing positively to this international endeavor. We remember the last meeting of the dialogue well, which was held at Saint George’s Cathedral in Jerusalem, and this was an effective sign of our relationship. In a world increasingly defined by division, suspicion and enmity, Christians must labor harder for a deeper reconciliation among ourselves.

There is no doubt that true dialogue has the power to break down barriers and eradicate prejudice, which is so necessary in our contemporary situation. The mission of the Church of Jerusalem is precisely the commandment of our Lord to seek reconciliation, as we read in Saint Paul’s letter to the Romans;

“We even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whim we have now receive reconciliation” (Romans 5:11).

In the Holy Land, throughout the Middle East, and of course, in our beloved Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, we stand firm in our resolve to resist extremism of any kind, under the wise leadership of his Majesty King Abdullah II, and hold before our region and the world the work of true reconciliation, mutual respect, and genuine independence.

The ultimate message of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is the love of God, and the ultimate mission of the Church is the transformation of the whole creation, which is rooted and grounded in love, so that we may live our true vocation as the sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. As Saint Paul saying in the letter to the Romans;

“ We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for the adoption, the redemption of our bodies” (Romans 8:22-23).

We acknowledge, from our own experience in this region, that this is not an easy mission. It requires a single-minded conviction and a unity of purpose to which all Churches and Christian Communities of the Holy Land are called.

In this respect we express our gratitude to the local Churches, and more specifically to you, Your Grace, for joining our forces before the recent challenges to the Church in the Holy City of Jerusalem. Our Churches in the Holy Land have the unique privilege to be the guardians and the servants of the Holy Places, which are places of spiritual refreshment for all people without distinction. That is why this mission is a beacon of hope to the world, where there is so much uncertainty, confusion and iniquity.

The people from all over the world continue to come to Jerusalem. As Orthodox and Anglicans in this region we know the significance of pilgrimage, for thousands of pilgrims from our respective communities who come to the Holy Sepulchre and to Saint George’s Cathedral every year from around the globe. The liturgical richness of the Church of Jerusalem, and the spiritual energy that gushes forth from the Holy Sites, are undoubtedly a source of deep refreshment and renewal to those who come to the Holy Land, and we are witnesses to these things.

As we reflect on the theme of reconciliation in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we have the example of His Majesty King Abdullah II and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Here we see reconciliation in action in a society where there is freedom of worship and a commitment to the building of a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi-cultural society. Our ability to meet here as well as of those who live in the surrounding countries is an eloquent testimony to this reality.

May God bless you, dear Archbishop Suheil, in your pastoral ministry to your diocese, and may God bless all your clergy and people to be true witnesses of the crucified love of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is the vocation of reconciliation. We wish you success in your deliberations.

And may God bless all the people of our beloved Middle East.

Thank you.

At noon of the same day, the Patriarchal Representative in Amman of Jordan, Most Reverend Archbishop Christophoros of Kyriakoupolis offered a meal to His Beatitude and to many of the Priests in Jordan, who brought forth a discussion on the problems of the clergy and their flock and asked advice in order to deal with them.

From Secretariat-General

On Wednesday afternoon, October 4/17, 2018, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus Mr. Constantinos Kadis, visited the Patriarchate, escorted by the General Manager of his office Mr. Nikolaos Pieris, the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus in Israel Mrs. Thessalia Siambou, the Embassy Staff, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy Mr. Chrysanthos Constantinou, and the Manager of the Office of the Cypriot Organization in Israel Mrs. Louiza Varakla.

His Excellency the Minister was warmly received by H.H.B. our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos and Hagiotaphite Fathers.

During this meeting there was an interesting conversation on the good relations of between the Cypriot Government and the Cypriot Church, with the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. These relations have been proven to be fruitful for both the island of Cyprus and the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Many were the established Hagiotaphite Fathers of Cypriot origin, eminent men such as Ieronymos Myriantheus, Metropolitan Epiphanios of Jordan, Metropolitan Gregorios of Tiberias, Arkadios of Askalon, and especially the Hegoumen of Jacob’s Well, Hieromartyr St. Philoumenos. The sealing of all these was the Exarchy of the Holy Sepulchre in Nicosia a few years ago.

His Beatitude underlined the contribution of the Patriarchate to the peacemaking in the Middle East and the reception of the Cypriot pilgrims in it, and thanked the Ministry of Education of Cyprus for its support to the educational program of the Patriarchate.

Expressing his thanks for this visit and briefing, the Minister asked His Beatitude’s blessing to venerate the Holy Sepulchre and for the good outcome of his difficult political patriotic mission.

From Secretariat-General

The Orthodox Academy of Crete (O.A.C.) in Chania, and at the Holy Monastery Gonia, celebrated at the 3^rd Meeting of its “Partners” 50 years of its operation last Tuesday and Wednesday, September 19 and 20,/ October 3, 2018. The Academy was founded by the memorable Metropolitan Eirinaios Galanakis of Kissamos and Selinou and Mr. Alexios Papaderos, and is currently under the protection of the Ecumenical Patriarchate with the aim of promoting dialogue and reconciliation.

H.H.B. our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem is one of these “Partners”, having received this honour in June 2016, when the O.A.C. hosted the Great Synod of Orthodoxy.

Having been invited for this meeting, His Beatitude arrived at Chania airport, escorted by Geronda Secretary-General Most Reverend Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina and Archdeacon Mark, where He was warmly received by the Archbishop Eirinaios of Crete, Metropolitan Amphilohios of Kissamos and Selinou and the General Manager of the Academy Mr. Constantinos Zorbas.

In the evening of the same day His Beatitude was the guest of honour at a dinner for the representatives of Churches offered by the Mayor of Kissamos Mr. Theodoros Stathakis.

His All-holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew arrived at noon on Tuesday September 19/October 2, 2018, and Chaired the proceedings of the 3^rd Partners Meeting. Present at the Meeting was also His Beatitude Archbishop Chrysostom of Cyprus. The proceedings referred to the main events of the 50 years of operation of the Academy and to the further development perspectives of its mission, especially in the fields of Youth, Bioethics, Ecology, and our Demographic issue within the challenges of our era.

In the afternoon of the same day the “Partners” of the Meeting and their escorts took place at the consecration of the Holy Church of St. Nikiforos the Leper at Syrikario. Attendants were also the President of the Greek Republic Mr. Prokopios Pavlopoulos, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece Mr. Markos Bolaris, Army and Police forces, young people dressed in traditional Cretan clothing and approximately three thousand people, to whom the Ecumenical Patriarch delivered a Sermon.

After the consecration ceremony, His Beatitude took place at the inauguration of the Increased Care Wing at Anousakeio Institution, where ninety patients with incurable diseases are hospitalized.  The Institution hosts a Polyclinic, a Pharmacy and offers free common meals to people in need as well as services of advanced medical care.

In the evening, His Beatitude participated at a dinner offered by the Holy Metropolis of Kissamos and Selinou at the Tsatsaronakeio Multicentre.

On Wednesday September 20/ October 3, 2018, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Holy Church of the Monastery Gonia, with first in participation in prayer His All-holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Co-celebrants were the “Partners” while their escorts attended the Service in prayer.

After the Divine Liturgy there was a memorial service for the repose of the souls of the memorable owners, Partners, renovators and benefactors-donors of the Academy with special reference to the memorable Metropolitan Eirinaios of Kissamos and Selinou.

Consequently the Ecumenical Patriarch offered the General Manager of the Academy Mr. Constantinos Zorbas the title of Archon.

Finally He inaugurated the heirlooms hall of the Holy Monastery Gonia.

From Secretariat-General

On Thursday August 3/16, 2018, the newly ordained Deacon George (Hader) visited the Patriarchate in order to pay his respects to our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos. The Deacon was ordained two days before Thursday at the Holy Sepulchre.
His Beatitude received Fr. George (Hader) warmly, blessing and admonishing him with Fatherly words regarding his new ministry at St.James Cathedral. His Beatitude offered the Deacon an icon of the Theotokos of Jerusalem, whose Dormition we will celebrate at the Church of Jerusalem in a few days, as well as books for Priests for his information and progress.

From Secretariat-General

The service for the undertaking of duty of the recently elected and ordained Most Reverend Archbishop Christophoros of Kyriakoupolis as Patriarchal Representative in Amman took place on Saturday June 17/30, 2018, according to the decision of the Holy Synod. This was done through a Divine Liturgy which was officiated by H.H.B. our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos at the Holy Church of the Meeting of the Lord in Amman. The Church was built by the memorable Patriarch Diodoros. Co-celebrants to His Beatitude were the Most Reverend Metropolitan Benedict of Philadelphia, the visiting Metropolitan Chrysostom of Kyrinia from the Church of Cyprus, the Most Reverend Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina and Secretary-General, the also recently elected and ordained Most Reverend Archbishop Aristovoulos of Madaba, Hagiotaphite Hieromonks, all the Arab-speaking Priests of the Patriarchate in Jordan, Deacon Evlogios, and other Deacons. The service was attended by the Minister of public works and housing Mr. Sami Halasa and other governmental members. The choir was formed by Fr. Alexander and Fadi who sang in Arabic and Greek before a full congregation who cheered in great joy. His Beatitude delivered the following Sermon:

 “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness”(Col. 3:12-14); St. Paul preaches.

Most Reverend Archbishop Christophoros of Kyriakoupolis,

The Holy and Sacred Synod with Us, by the divine inspiration in a regular voting, has promoted you to the great office of Prelacy. And through Our mediocrity, the Divine Grace has ordained you Archbishop of the Holy Archdiocese of Kyriakoupolis and appointed you Patriarchal Representative in Amman and its outskirts, after the voluntary resignation of our dearest brother Most Reverend Metropolitan Benedict of Philadelphia.

“The Holy Ghost (which brings together the whole constitution of the Church) hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28); St. Paul preaches. Most Reverend Archbishop Christophoros of Kyriakoupolis, you have been called unto this ministry of pasturing the noble Christian congregation in the Hashemite Kingdom of Biblical Jordan, which is under the spiritual jurisdiction of the Venerable Greek-Orthodox Jerusalem Patriarchate.

Your calling is to keep the Holy Apostles’ tradition which was taught of God, and to preach the sacrificial and kenotic one. Especially in our time, when there are wars and turbulence around the world and in particular in our tested region.

Since your childhood, your joining in the body of the monastic order of the venerable Hagiotaphite Brotherhood, which has been preserving the shrines of the sacred history in the Holy Land and the Holy City of Jerusalem throughout the centuries, has fostered and “nourished you up in the words of faith and of good doctrine” (1 Tim. 4:6), in other words, in the doctrines of our pure Orthodox faith and tradition. While your ministering care for the Church and its faithful members, by the good co-operation of your predecessor Most Reverend Metropolitan of Philadelphia, and the highlighting of the Holy Nunnery in Dibin as a practical manifestation of your obedience in the assignments of the Church, in other words, of your spiritual Status and the decisions of our Holy and Sacred Synod, have made you, Archbishop of Kyriakoupolis, a pastor of the logical sheep of Christ in the blessed Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The mission of the Bishop as a descendant of the Holy Apostles is primarily met with the Will of our God and Saviour “who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4). Because of this, the spiritual and moral responsibility of the Bishop as a Pastor is great indeed, especially in our era of globalization, with the prevailing of apostasy and iniquity. Towards this, the first among the Apostles, Peter, advices the Pastors saying: “shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.  And when the chief Shepherd appears [Christ], you will receive the unfading crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:2-4). And he becomes more particular; “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble”(1 Peter 5:5).

Most Reverend Archbishop Christophoros of Kyriakoupolis,

“The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Cor. 5:17). “Behold, now is the favourable time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2). And “the harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few” (Matt. 9:37). We pray the Lord that He may send those few labourers to His harvest. Undertake this ministry of the labourer at the Lord’s vineyard and become Christophoros [Christ bearer] in both words and actions, having as a harvest tool the love of Christ, which “does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth” (1 Cor. 13:5-6).

May the unifying power of God’s love and also the peace, reconciliation and unity among all our fellow-men and fellow-citizens, without any discrimination, be – according to Paul- “the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day” (Ephes. 6:13), in other words, when the temptation hits you with force.

Both the faithful people of God and the respected Royal and Civil authorities of the country, look up to your new ministry with joy and hope, holy brother. It is the ministry of the Representative of the Patriarch of Jerusalem, the descendant of St. James the Brother of God and of Patriarch Sophronios, who cultivated the strong brotherly bonds between the Royal Hashemite Dynasty and the Greek-Orthodox Jerusalem Patriarchate. 

Along with the members of the Holy and Sacred Synod and all our Hagiotaphite Brotherhood and the Clergy, We pray the Holy Trinitarian God, so that the Holy Spirit, Whose divinity was made manifest in the River Jordan upon our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, may guide your footsteps towards the working of His commandments, by the intercessions of His Most Holy Mother, our Most Blessed Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, with the prayers of the Holy Martyr Christophoros and the Holy Martyrs Isavros and those with him who we commemorate today.

For all these, we beseech and pray to our Almighty God, for the health and strengthening and preservation of the King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Custodian of the Islamic and Christian Shrines in the Holy City of Jerusalem, His Majesty King Abdullah II Bin Al-Hussein and His Royal family. Amen.”

On Saturday evening there was a reception in honour of the new Representative by the Community of Amman at the Greek-Orthodox club. His Beatitude delivered the following address there:

“For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master-builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1Cor. 3:9-11); this is what Apostle Paul commands of the preachers of the Gospel, the Pastors of the Church.

Beloved Friends, Brothers and Sisters,

Holy Fathers,

Ladies and gentlemen,

We thank God the Father, Who has deemed us worthy, the humble ones in the flesh, to become abettors in His work, namely the Church, which is His mystical body in the world (Acts 1:25).

Having received this ministry and mission, We have never ceased caring for our reverend Christian congregation on either side of the river Jordan.

A proof of this is the existing unceasing Christian presence in the Holy Land throughout the centuries, which needless to say, includes our much respected Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, under the wise and powerful rule of His Majesty the King Abdullah II Bin Al-Hussein.

The mission of the Church is centred primarily in the Lord’s words: “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Matt. 9:12-13).

The mission of this witness of the light of Christ’s truth and love, is being evangelized by the Mother of all Churches, the Roman-Orthodox Jerusalem Patriarchate, which undeniably is worldwide recognized as the guarantee not only of the Christians in the Middle East, but also the assurance and seal of their identity as a Community. And this is so, because the Christians’ benchmark in our region are the Holy Shrines, with first in rank the All-Holy and Life-giving Tomb of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,  which is located in the centre of the Holy City of Jerusalem.

St. John the Evangelist says; “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness” (1 John 5:19). In other words, we mind over the things that are of God, while the world minds over the things that are of the world. “And to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God” (Romans 8:6).

This divine and ecclesiastical mind has led Us and the Holy and Sacred Synod to the appointment of our Patriarchal Representative in Amman, Archbishop Christophoros of Kyriakoupolis, as well as the appointment of the Most Reverend Archbishop Aristovoulos of Madaba as a pastor, along with his post of the Patriarchal Representative in North Jordan, based in the town of Irbet.

Allow me, my dear ones, to highlight that the dialogue of love and peace is according to God’s mind, unlike the contradiction and confrontation which are according to the mind of the world.

Finally, we take this blessed opportunity to deeply express our heartfelt thanks to His Majesty the most respected King of the Hashemite Kingdom, Abdullah II Bin Al-Hussein, as well as the Chief Advisor of the King on Religious, Christian and Cultural Affairs, His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, our most dear friend, whose practical interest in favour of the Christian presence here is known to all.

And to Our beloved brother and co-celebrant Most Reverend Archbishop of Kyriakoupolis and Patriarchal Representative in Amman and its outskirts, We wish every success from God. Thank you.”

From Secretariat-General

On Wednesday afternoon, May 31/June 13, 2018, the Prime Minister of Bulgaria Mr. Boyko Borissov, visited the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where along with his escorts, was warmly received and guided by Geronda Sacristan Most Reverend Archbishop Isidoros of Hierapolis. The Prime Minister was escorted by a group of his associates, the Metropolitan Antonios of West Europe from the Patriarchate of Bulgaria, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Education of Bulgaria, Members of the Municipality, and the Ambassador of Bulgaria in Israel Mr. Dimiter Mihaylov.

His Excellency the Prime Minister also went to the Patriarchate Headquarters, of the Holy City, which has been watered with the salvific and redeeming blood of Christ, where he was warmly received by His Beatitude our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos and Hagiotaphite Fathers.

The Prime Minister thanked His Beatitude for the reception of this visit and the reception of the pilgrims from Bulgaria and conveyed the brotherly greetings of His Beatitude the Patriarch of Bulgaria Neophytos along with His thanks for the annual distribution of the Holy Light.

His Beatitude referred to the long-term good relationship between the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Patriarchate of Bulgaria. He mentioned the history of the Jerusalem Patriarchate as the Mother of Churches and a Nation-leading Church since the time of the Patriarch of Jerusalem Sophronios and Chalif Omar Khattab, a protector of the Christians of the Holy Land, He referred to the mission of the Orthodox Church to sustain the Orthodox nations in unity and finally commented on the attitude of Bulgaria regarding the Judaic nation during the Second World War.

On the occasion of this visit, His Beatitude awarded Mr. Boyko Borissov with the honourary distinction of the Grand Commander of the Order of Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, in recognition of his feelings of reverence and his support of the Church of Bulgaria.

Emotional, the Prime Minister thanked His Beatitude and committed to always work from his Office of Ministry in favour of his nation and of all the Orthodox nations.

The Prime Minister offered His Beatitude an icon of Christ’s Resurrection, painted by a 12-year-old girl who has been awarded at the competition “the children paint for the children” and a coin made for the 140^th independence anniversary of Bulgaria.  His Beatitude offered the Prime Minister an icon of the Theotokos of Jerusalem and the Volume of the History of the Church of Jerusalem by Chrysostom Papadopoulos, and to his escorts He offered some blessings from Jerusalem.

From Secretariat-General

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