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DIRECTOR OF TANTUR INSTITUTE VISITS THE PATRIARCHATE

On Thursday, the 17th/30th of October 2014, the Director of the Tantur Institute, Rev. Fr. Russell K. McDougal, accompanied by his assistant, Mr Daniel Koski, visited the Patriarchate.

The Institute, which stands to the right of the central Jerusalem street to Bethlehem, at a short distance from the Monastery of the Prophet Elias, was founded in 1970 as a center for studies on the promotion of Christian unity and support of Christians in the Holy Land.

Fr. Russell K. McDougal was received by H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem.

A discussion took place during the meeting on the incessant history of the Orthodox Patriarchate in the Holy Land and on its willingness and readiness to either participate in or undertake initiatives towards the education and financial support of Christians in the Holy Land, so that they may overcome the adversities of the political situation and remain in their ancestral homes.

His Beatitude went on to offer the Director of Tantur a copy of the “History of the Church of Jerusalem” by Chrysostomos Papadopoulos and wished him a fruitful diaconate in promoting the science of Theology and the benefit of the Holy Land’s Church members.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/HxrowFLmXKs

 




UKRAINIAN FOREIGN MINISTER VISITS THE PATRIARCHATE

On Wednesday, the 9th/22nd of October 2014, the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Pavlo Klikmkin, accompanied by the Ukrainian ambassador to Tel Aviv and a group of his associates, visited the Patriarchate.

His Excellency the Minister and his retinue were warmly received by H.B. Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, and Hagiotaphite Fathers. An interesting discussion took place during the meeting, on the principles and values of Orthodoxy and how difficult it is today to safeguard them in the face of globalization and the European Union’s terms and conditions. Reference was also made to the fact that the Church does not interfere in political affairs.

On the occasion of the meeting, His Beatitude conferred on Mr Klimkin the medal of the Great Crusader of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher, in recognition of his contribution to the “synallelia”, namely symphony, between the Church and the State.

Touched, the Honourable Mr Klimkin thanked His Beatitude and pledged to dedicate all his powers towards serving his country and the Orthodox Church in the struggle for man’s salvation. He then went on to venerate at the Holy Sepulcher, Calvary and the Church of the Resurrection.

From the Secretariat-General

 




REPRESENTATIVES OF THE VAN LEER INSTITUTE VISIT HIS BEATITUDE THE PATRIARCH OF JERUSALEM

On Tuesday, the 8th/21st of October 2014, representatives of the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute, amongst whom Mrs Chrysi Kotsyfou of Greece, and Mr Samuel Rubenson, alongside their associates in organizing a Conference on Early Palestinian Monasticism , visited Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem.

The representatives were warmly received by His Beatitude, who went on to talk to them on the beginning and continuation of Orthodox monasticism in the Holy Land, as well as its contribution to Church life and civilization. Patriarch Theophilos has responded positively to the Institute’s invitation to open the Conference’s deliberations, on the following day. Further details will be posted on the Website in due time.

From the Secretariat-General




KASTORIA MP, MRS MARIA ANTONIOU, VISITS THE PATRIARCHATE

On Monday, the 30th of September/13th of October 2014, “Nea Dimokratia” MP, the Rt. Hon. Mrs Maria Antoniou, visited the Patriarchate accompanied by Archimandrite Galaktion, in the presence of the Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem, Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis.

Mrs Antoniou was courteously received by H.B., Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, the Patriarchal Commissioner, the Most Reverend Metropolitan Isychios of Kapitolias, and the Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of Lydda.

An interesting discussion took place during the meeting, on the centuries-long presence of Greek Orthodox Christians in the regions falling within the Patriarchate’s jurisdiction, their current situation in the Middle East, the Patriarchate’s peacemaking role and its harmonious collaboration with the governments of Israel and the Palestinian Autonomy. His Beatitude also referred to the archeological and architectural interest pertaining to the Church of the Resurrection, the Holy Sepulcher and all holy shrines within Jerusalem.

After the discussion, His Beatitude offered Mrs Antoniou the “History of the Church of Jerusalem” edition by Chrysostomos Papadopoulos, a pectoral mother-of-pearl cross, and an icon of Theotokos and the Holy Sepulcher.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/xDSzOlPlXFA

 




MAFRAQ YOUTH COMMUNITY VISITS THE PATRIARCHATE

On Thursday, the 26th of September/9th of October 2014, a group of pilgrims consisting of approximately 50 young men and women, from the flock of the Mafraq Community in Northern Jordan, visited the Patriarchate. They were accompanied by the Patriarchal Commissioner, His Eminence Philoumenos, Archbishop of Pella.

The pilgrims were courteously received by H.B., Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, in the presence of Hagiotaphite Fathers. During the meeting, the Patriarch listened to issues of concern to them, as well as to the Christian activities they pursue in their parish, that of the Dormition of Theotokos, led by f. Demetrios. This particular Christian youth group has founded an excellent church choir performing Byzantine music under the direction of Mr Rami Samawi.

On this occasion, the young men and women sang church hymns in Arabic, i.e. the kontakion for the Exaltation of the Cross, the Dormition of Theotokos, and of Resurrection Day, as well as His Beatitude’s Polychronism.

Patriarch Theophilos offered the youth Jerusalemite blessings, after which they left to venerate at the Holy Sepulcher and other shrines in the Old City of Jerusalem.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/Gdr4zwXnUEs




THE 6TH INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION FOR ORTHODOX-ANGLICAN DIALOGUE VISITS THE PATRIARCHATE

On Friday, the 6th/19th of September 2014, the 6th International Commission for Dialogue  between Orthodox and Anglicans visited the Patriarchate, after having venerated at the Holy Sepulcher and at the Church of the Resurrection of the Lord.

The Dialogue Commission was received by H.B., Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, and Hagiotaphite Fathers.

His Beatitude praised the effort to carry on the Dialogue and wished that the All-Holy Spirit illuminate their work towards mutual understanding and rapprochement in the benefit of the faithful adhering to both Churches.

Patriarch Theophilos went on to underline the work undertaken by the Patriarchate as regards the safekeeping of the All-Holy Sites of Veneration, as well as the protection and pastoral custody of Christians in the Holy Land.

Partakers in the Dialogue, mainly Bishops and priests, thanked His Beatitude for receiving them and also for attending, the day before, the opening of their deliberations. They also asked for His blessing and prayers towards fruitful and advantageous decisions.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/KKMno27EqIs




H.B. THE PATRIARCH OF JERUSALEM ADDRESSES THE DIALOGUE BETWEEN ORTHODOX AND ANGLICANS

On Thursday, the 5th/18th of September 2014, the 6th Meeting of the International Commission for Theological Dialogue between Orthodox and Anglicans opened officially at the conference hall near St George’s Anglican Church.

Participating in the meeting were: the Patriarchate of Alexandria, represented by the Most Reverend Seraphim, Metropolitan of Zimbabwe; the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, represented by Archimandrite Aristovoulos, who has succeeded f. Georgios Dragas, Protopresbyter and professor at the Boston Theological School of the Holy Cross; the Church of Cyprus, represented by the Most Reverend Chrysostomos, Metropolitan of Kition. The Patriarchates of Antioch, Russia and Serbia were also represented at the meeting. Mr Christos Christakis, presbyter of the Archbishopric of America, served as Secretary-General of the Commission on behalf of the Orthodox.

The Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem, Mr Suheil Dawani, opened the dialogue with a brief report on Christians in the Holy Land, and the contribution of the Church to them through educational institutions and hospitals, citing as example the Gaza hospital which tended to the wounded in the midst of hostilities.

His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, welcomed participants with an address in English, see: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2014/09/18/8992

Welcoming speeches were also delivered by the well-known professor and Assistant to the Bishop of Diokleia, Kallistos (Timothy Ware) representing the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and the Archbishop of Perth, Australia, co-chairing the meeting on behalf of the Anglican Church.

The event was followed by a wider discussion among participants in the Church Forecourt.

 From the Secretariat-General




THE NEW AMBASSADOR OF GEORGIA TO ISRAEL VISITS THE PATRIARCHATE

On Friday, the 30th of August/12th of September 2014, the new Ambassador of Georgia to Israel, His Excellency Mr Paata Kalandare, visited the Patriarchate.

Mr Kalandare was received by His Beatitude, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem. An interesting discussion took place during the meeting, on problems facing the Middle East, where the Patriarchate has been called to protect and preserve the All-Holy Shrines, but also Christians residing in the Holy Land.

Talk was also made on the frequent visits of pilgrims from Georgia, even during periods of unrest and conflict between peoples inhabiting the All-Holy Shrines region.

Additionally, His Beatitude congratulated the new Ambassador on the assumption of his duties, and offered him Jerusalemite eulogias, namely the Hagiotaphite calendar in Russian and icons of the Holy Sepulcher.

The Georgian Ambassador thanked His Beatitude for the long and constructive conversation, and offered Him fine wine from his country, before going on to venerate at the Lord’s Life-Giving Sepulcher.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/HDJ5OxveQik

 




THE AMBASSADOR OF SERBIA TO ISRAEL VISITS THE PATRIARCHATE

On Tuesday, the 30th of July/12th of August 2014, the Serbian Ambassador to Israel, Mr Milutin Stanoyevic, visited the Patriarchate accompanied by Mrs Miliça Vajovic, the Embassy Secretary, whose assignment in Israel is nearing its close.

His Excellency the Ambassador of Serbia and his Secretary were received by H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, the Patriarchal Commissioner, Metropolitan Isycios of Kapitolias, and the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina.

An interesting discussion took place in the context of this meeting on the role of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem as a factor of stability and reconciliation in the Middle East, especially so during this period of political unrest, acutely manifested with the atrocities in Gaza. Also underlined was the role of the Patriarchate as a link between the Orthodox states currently maintaining diplomatic delegations to the state of Israel.

The destruction of Serbia’s cultural and ecclesiastical monuments, caused during the years of the harsh war, as well as by recent floods, was also talked about.

Having asked His Beatitude’s blessing, the Serbian Ambassador and Mrs Miliça Vajovic went on to venerate at the Holy Sepulcher, His Beatitude wishing the Ambassador success in his mission and Mrs Vajovic a fine career back to her country.

From the Secretariat-General




HUNGARIAN REPRESENTATIVE TO PALESTINIAN AUTONOMY VISITS THE PATRIARCHATE

On Wednesday, the 24th of July/6th of August 2014, the representative of Hungary to the Palestinian Autonomy in Ramallah, Mr Michael Giza, visited the Patriarchate.

Mr Michael was warmly received by H.B. Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem.

In the context of this meeting an interesting discussion took place on the visit of His Beatitude to Hungary, on the country’s subvention for the renovation of the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem, and on the award of two scholarships to students of the Patriarchate’s Arab-speaking flock. Assurances were also exchanged on the continuation of this fruitful cooperation between Hungary and the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

From the Secretariat-General