Jerusalem, December 16, 2023

Representatives of institutions of the Armenian community in Jerusalem engaged in a momentous visit to the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, where His Beatitude Theophilos III, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, graciously received them. The meeting served as a platform for community representatives to express gratitude, discuss recent existential challenges, and seek guidance from the Patriarch.

In light of recent adversities stemming from the aggressive actions of Israeli radicals, the Armenian community highlighted the lack of restraint by the Israeli police. The source of contention revolves around an illegitimate land deal concerning Church property, mirroring a situation akin to that of the Orthodox Patriarchate Jaffa Gate properties.

During the meeting, the community representatives extended their gratitude to Patriarch Theophilos and presented an official letter outlining the complexities they face. They passionately appealed for assistance in resolving the issues, acknowledging H.B.’s pivotal role in safeguarding the interests of the Christian community in Jerusalem.

In response, His Beatitude expressed his awareness of the challenges faced by the Armenian community and assured them of His commitment to providing support. The Patriarch of Jerusalem recommended that the community should collaborate closely with their spiritual leadership, emphasizing the imperative of unity among Christian communities to fortify the Christian presence in the Holy Land.

His Beatitude extended His blessings to the Armenian community, lauding their courageous initiative in addressing the prevailing challenges. As the meeting concluded, the Patriarch conveyed His heartfelt wishes for a blessed Christmas season, fostering a spirit of hope and solidarity among the Christian brethren in Jerusalem.

This interaction stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of Patriarch Theophilos to advocate for unity, peace, and justice within the fervent Christian communities of the Holy Land.

From Secretariat-General

Tuesday, December 13, 2023

In a diplomatic visit, His Excellency Ambassador Sebastian Molina, the Representative of Chile to Ramallah, received a cordial welcome from The Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Theophilos III, at the Orthodox Patriarchate in the Holy City.

H.B. Opened his remarks with the hope of a quick ending to the atrocities in Gaza through an immediate ceasefire. H.E.  Sebastian Molina reflected on his country’s position regarding the war. He also highlighted the substantial number of Palestinian Orthodox Christians who migrated from Beit Jala, Bethlehem, and Shepherd’s Field to Chile over the last two centuries. The Ambassador stressed that those Palestinian migrants and their descendants maintain a deep desire to uphold their pastoral and spiritual connection with the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, their Mother Church and the Mother of all churches.

Despite the Jerusalem Patriarchate’s designating their pastoral responsibility to the Church of Antioch in the United States, as the Cannon Laws of the Church dictate, the Patriarchate through H.B. expressed its genuine interest in keeping them in thought and prayer as well as personal engagement.

H.B. Theophilos III emphasized the religious significance of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, advocating for a solution to political problems based on shared values from the scriptures: love for all, peace, and reconciliation. H.B. assured the Patriarchate of Jerusalem’s pledge to defend the Status Quo in Jerusalem under the Hashemite Custodianship of King Abdullah and to promote respect for every individual in the city as the image of God.

Touching upon challenges with radical Israelis seeking exclusive control of Jerusalem, the Patriarch of Jerusalem underscored the city’s multicultural and multireligious character. He added: “This inclusivity is evident in the thousands of pilgrims visiting holy places, particularly the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, irrespective of religious or ethnic backgrounds.” H.B. pointed out that the Patriarchate of Jerusalem collaborates with other churches to advocate for peace and protect the rights of Christians in the Holy Land, rooted in the agreement between Patriarch Sophronios and Khalif Omar bin Khattab in the 7th century, recognizing the Patriarch of Jerusalem as an Ethnarch.

H.B. The Patriarch of Jerusalem also highlighted joint efforts of churches in sustaining schools where Christians and Muslims study together, fostering an environment for peaceful coexistence in society. H.E. Ambassador Sebastian Molina expressed gratitude for the update provided by His Beatitude and pledged to be cooperative and supportive of the Churches of the Holy Land. The meeting concluded with the exchange of gifts and expressions of gratitude.

From Secretariat-General

On Monday, November 28/December 11, 2023, H.H.B. our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos received the Head of the Russian Spiritual Mission (MISSIA) Archimandrite Vassianos and Archimandrite Nikon for a visit to express thanks for His wishes on the Name Day of H.H.B. the Patriarch of Moscow Cyril and to ask Him to send a Hierarch to the ceremony marking 150 years since the foundation of the Russian Monastery in Jericho, near the sycamore tree of Zacchaeus.

Likewise, Archimandrite Vassianos asked for the blessing of His Beatitude, so that the Russian Spiritual Mission (MISSIA) will celebrate a Divine Liturgy in the Basilica of the Nativity of Bethlehem on December 22nd 2023/January 4th 2024 in view of the approaching Christmas Eve, December 25, 2023 /7th January 2024.

From Secretariat-General

On Saturday, November 26/ December 9, 2023, our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos honoured the Head of the Rum Orthodox Community of Bir Zeit, reverend Priest Stavros Aranki with the medal of the Cross-bearer, in recognition of his dedicated Priestly ministry.

His Beatitude praised the Priest for his prosperous ministry so far and wished him to continue likewise by the help of the Holy Cross, for the benefit of the Christian flock of the Patriarchate.

From Secretariat-General

On the morning of Monday, November 7/20, 2023, the new Head of the Russian Spiritual Mission to Jerusalem (MISSIA), Reverend Archimandrite Vassianos, visited the Patriarchate, accompanied by Archimandrite Nicon and asked for the blessing of His Beatitude, our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos upon assuming his duties. Archimandrite Vassianos conveyed the wishes of His Beatitude the Patriarch of Moscow, Cyril and His thanks for Patriarch Theophilos’ indicated interest in the Churches of the Moscow Patriarchate in Ukraine and for the unity of the Orthodox Churches.

The new Superior Archimandrite Vassianos was received with praise by H.H.B. wishing him a fruitful service in the Russian Mission (MISSIA) within the framework of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, based on the always good relations of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Patriarchate of Moscow. This relationship is strengthened by the fact that the Church of Jerusalem is based on the Cross, of the redemptive blood of our Lord Jesus Christ and of His empty Tomb, testifying to the Resurrection.

In support of his ministry, His Beatitude presented Archimandrite Vassianos with an Archimandrite’s Cross, the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos of Gethsemane and the renovated Sacred Edicule of the Holy Sepulchre and Chrysostom Papadopoulos’s approved book of the History of the Church of Jerusalem.

From Secretariat-General

Jerusalem, November 18, 2023

A high delegation representing the diverse Christian civil society institutions in Jerusalem, visited His Beatitude Theophilos III, The Patriarch of Jerusalem, at the Orthodox Patriarchate’s headquarters. The purpose of their visit was to express gratitude for the decision taken by the Holy Land Churches to suspend all non-religious ceremonial celebrations of the Christmas Advent and Christmas feast. This decision is in response to the ongoing war in Gaza, aiming to show respect for the lives lost in the war and the suffering endured by civilians.

During the meeting, the representatives expressed their desire to co-sign the appeal issued by the Patriarchs and heads of Churches in Jerusalem, endorsing the call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. They delivered a signed letter in support of the churches’ position on this matter.

The group strongly condemned the tragic atrocities in Gaza, particularly the killing of 18 individuals in Saint Porphyrios’ Church and the 500 lives lost at the Anglican Church hospital. In response, the Patriarch reassured the delegation that this year’s Christmas celebrations would be marked by solemnity and reflection, refraining from the usual festivities due to the current situation.

His Beatitude emphasized the significance of the Christian presence in the Holy Land, the cradle of Christianity. Despite challenges posed by radical Israeli elements, the Patriarch affirmed his commitment to preserve the indigenous Christian presence and declared the land as a land for its people. He urged Christians to manifest their presence through participation in Christmas festivities, albeit in a more sombre manner this year.

Acknowledging the responsibility towards the people in Gaza, the Patriarch of Jerusalem emphasized the sanctity of every human life as an image of God. He proposed the formation of a group of individuals to maintain constant communication, working together to promote an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. The representatives affirmed their commitment to continue their engagement, scheduling another meeting with H.B. the Patriarch to further address matters of peace and solidarity with Gaza.

From Secretariat-General

Jerusalem, November 14, 2023

Today, His Beatitude Theophilos III, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, received in His office His Excellency Mr. Domenico Bellato, the Consul General of Italy in Jerusalem. The meeting comes at the onset of His Excellency’s tenure, which commenced on October 8, 2023.

During the meeting, the Consul General conveyed his government’s point of view on the ongoing war in Gaza and emphasized the importance of ensuring the safe departure of Italian citizens residing in the affected areas.

The Consul General sought insight into the Patriarchate’s perspective on the political situation, prompting His Beatitude to stress the role of faith leaders in diffusing tensions. His Beatitude emphasized the need to envision a future beyond the conflict, promoting peace for all residents of the Holy Land.

Patriarch Theophilos also expressed concern for all the residents of Gaza who have been victims of unbearable living conditions. He called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and a total halt of all hostilities.

The Patriarch asserted the importance of preserving Jerusalem’s multicultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious character and the historical significance of agreements, such as that between Caliph Omar Bin Al-Khattab and the Patriarch of Jerusalem Sophronios.

His Beatitude stressed the importance of the Hashemite custodianship over Muslim and Christian Holy Places and the adherence to the Status Quo while raising concerns regarding the Christian presence and threats posed by radical Israeli groups in various locations, including Mount Zion and the Mount of Olives.

His Beatitude underscored the collaborative efforts among churches to uphold biblical values of love, coexistence, and peace.

The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude and an exchange of gifts, cementing the Consul General’s commitment to fostering positive relationships for the well-being of Christians and all residents in the Holy Land.

From Secretariat-General

Jerusalem, November 6, 2023

Her Excellency Mrs Rita Herenescar, the Representative of Hungary in Ramallah, accompanied by her deputy, paid a visit today to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem where she was received by H.B. Theophilos III, the Patriarch of Jerusalem. The meeting emphasized the importance of cooperation to solidify humanitarian efforts in Gaza.

As Hungary’s newly appointed representative in Ramallah, H.E. Ms. Herenescar expressed her pleasure by the meeting and extended an invitation to His Beatitude to visit Hungary.

During the meeting, H.E. Ms. Herenescar conveyed her sympathy for the innocent victims of the war in Gaza and the unfortunate casualties of the Monastery of Saint Porphyrios, the Orthodox Cultural Centre, and the Anglican Church hospital. His Beatitude emphasized that various churches had called for an end to the war and prayed for peace and enlightenment among the governing authorities. He added that a special memorial service was held for the war victims at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Highlighting coexistence between different faiths, His Beatitude mentioned the town of Burkin, where Muslims and Christians live harmoniously around a holy site associated with the therapy of the ten lepers. He underlined Jerusalem’s role as a multi-religious, multi-ethnic, and multi-cultural city. This spirit of coexistence, as per the Caliph Omar bin Khattab’s agreement with Patriarch Sophronios, also extends to Gaza and other parts of Palestinian territory.

His Beatitude affirmed that the churches of the Holy Land stand united in their commitment to the values of the Bible, opposition to antisemitism and islamophobia, and work tirelessly for the promotion of peace and coexistence. He also expressed gratitude for Hungary’s support in renovating the Sacred Edicule of the Holy Sepulchre a few years ago.

His Beatitude also noted the severe economic challenges facing the region. The absence of pilgrims and tourists on Jerusalem’s streets and disrupted communication between Jerusalem and Palestinian Autonomy towns have added to the economic woes as a result of the war on Gaza.

His Beatitude requested that H.E. Ms. Herenescar convey His gratitude to the President of Hungary, whom he had met during his last visit. During that visit, he had admired Saint Stephen’s Church and acknowledged the Byzantine architectural influence on Hungarian buildings. He expressed his consideration of the invitation to visit Hungary again when the time is right and extended thanks for the scholarships Hungary provides to students of the congregation.

His Beatitude emphasized His Christian commitment to keeping churches open as sanctuaries for all people in Gaza. Assuring that the Christian faith in the Cross and resurrection of Christ remains unwavering, even in the shadow of hostilities and economic hardships.

From Secretariat-General

On the evening of Saturday, October 15/28, 2023, a school event took place at the Patriarchal School of Holy Zion in honour of the national anniversary of October 28, 1940.

This event was honoured by the presence of H.H.B. our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos, the Chairman of the School Board, His Eminence Archbishop Isidoros of Hierapolis, the Consul General of Greece in Jerusalem, Mr Dimitrios Angelosopoulos, Holy Sepulchre Bishops and Fathers, monks and nuns and members of the Greek parish.

The program of the event included a foreword by the Managing Director of the School, Elder Dragoman Archimandrite Mattheos Siopis, the speech of the day by the teacher Mrs Sarantidou Anna, and recitation of poems, singing of songs and acting in short plays by the students.

Through all these, the struggles of our Greek ancestors, worthy descendants of our Ancient, Byzantine, and those of 1821, against the Italian invasion and the Nazi and German occupation and their liberation at the end of the Second World War came to the fore.

The competitiveness of the Greeks in all regions of the Greek Empire, despite the victims of the struggle, dealt serious blows to the conquered, delayed their expansion towards Russia, and contributed the most to their crushing under the Great Powers.

The celebration ended with the reminder of our “debt” to the fighters of 1940.

His Beatitude and the Consul General thanked the Managing Director of the School, the teachers, and the students for the fact that through the actions of those presented on stage and screen, they transported us all to the battlefields of 1940 when the fighting spirit of the Greeks triumphed.

From the General Secretariat

Jerusalem, The Holy Land

27 October 2023

The Consul General of France in Jerusalem, Mr Nikolaos Kassianidis, extended his respects to His Beatitude, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III in a visit to the Patriarchate this morning.

Mr. Kassianidis expressed his gratitude to His Beatitude for sparing his valuable time. He emphasized that this visit marked the inception of his tenure in Jerusalem, with the primary objective of gaining insights from the Patriarch on how the Patriarchate navigates the multifaceted challenges and difficulties faced by the churches in the Holy Land amidst the ongoing state of conflict.

The Patriarch, in response, conveyed that the Patriarchate stands as the oldest religious institution in the Holy Land, steadfastly dedicated to fostering reconciliation and peaceful coexistence among all residents of the region, irrespective of their religious or ethnic backgrounds. The core mission of the Patriarchate is to ensure accessibility to the Holy Places without any discrimination.

One notable aspect of this mission, His Beatitude added,  is the cultivation of religious coexistence through educational institutions, where Christian and Muslim students study side by side, embracing diversity as a strength.

The Patriarch of Jerusalem stressed “The ongoing commitment of the churches in maintaining the Status Quo in the Holy Land, particularly in the Old City of Jerusalem”. His Beatitude drew attention to the airstrike at the Christian Shrine of the Patriarchate in Gaza, exemplifying the unwavering determination of Archbishop Alexios, who, amidst challenges, vowed to protect the church. The conversation also delved into the tragic strike at the Anglican hospital in Gaza, resulting in the loss of 470 lives.

Further discussions highlighted the persistent challenges that the Patriarchate faces, including encounters with radical Israelis at the property on Mount Zion. His Beatitude stressed that a viable solution to the complex political issues could be realized through a profound consideration of the role of religion.

It was reiterated that the Patriarchate, as an autocephalous Church and decision-making authority, maintains its autonomy and does not rely on external parties for statements or decisions. His Beatitude stressed that collaboration with other churches is pursued, with a commitment to preserving the Status Quo, guided by the Custodianship of His Majesty, the King of Jordan, over holy sites.

His Beatitude explained that the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem extends across Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Qatar and that its collaboration with other churches and the Kingdom of Jordan is grounded in an ancient agreement dating back to AD 637 between the second Caliph Omar ibn Al-Khattab and the then Patriarch of Jerusalem, Sophronios. This historical accord underscores the commitment to harmony and coexistence that continues to shape the Patriarchate’s mission in the modern era.

From Secretariat-General