On the Wednesday which followed New Year’s Day, namely the 2^nd/15^th of January 2014, the cutting of St Basil-pie took place at the School of St Sion, by his Beatitude Theophilos, our Father and Patriarch of Jeusalem, in the context of a humble ceremony at the Patriarchal School on the hill of St Sion, in Southeastern Jerusalem.

Attending the ceremony was the Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem, Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis and his esteemed wife; the President of the School Board, the Elder Sacristan, His Eminence Isidoros, Archbishop of Hierapolis; Board member Hierodeacon f. Martyrios, as well as other Hagiotaphites and parents of students at the School.

The ceremony began with an address by the Principal, Physics Professor, f. Photios, and was followed by a performance of the Apolytikia of the feast of the Circumcision, of St Basil, and of Hagiotaphite Carols. His Beatitude went on to cut the pie, wishing that the New Year be “favourable, peaceful, blissful and spiritual”, and distribute the pieces among those honouring the ceremony with their presence, as well as to the students.

Young student Pavlos Kokovides was offered the piece which contained the hidden coin.

After the distribution of the pie, His Beatitude and the Consul General offered Christmas presents to the novices.

The ceremony ended with Patriarchal advises to the novices.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/_lyPi3wr7D8

On Wednesday, the 2^nd/15^th of January 2014, a group of representatives of the Haram al-Sharif – Temple of Solomon Waqf visited the Patriarchate under Azam Hadib. They were accompanied by the Jordan representative to Jerusalem on Christian and Muslim Sites of Pilgrimage. The group was received by H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, in the presence of Hagiotaphite Brothers.

Addressing His Beatitude on behalf of all, Mr Hadib stressed the importance of the Patriarchate since the days of Patriarch Sophronios of Jerusalem and Omar Hadib, for the peaceful coexistence of Christians and Muslims, and for the preservation of the Sites of Pilgrimage and the status quo in Jerusalem. His Beatitude replied in Arabic. His speech may be reached here: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2014/01/16/3205

From the Secretariat-General

The 27^th of December 2013/9^th of January 2014 marked the visits to the Patriarchate of all Christian Communities in Jerusalem, on the occasion of Christmas.

The visits take place during the festive period in order to diminish prejudice and tension and enhance the spirit of peace, religious coexistence and collaboration.

Early in the morning of the aforementioned day, dedicated to the memory of St Stephen the First Martyr, the visit took place of Franciscan Friars, the Roman Catholic Custodians of the Holy Land.

Underlined during the address of Custodian f. Pierre Battista Pizzaballa and the reply of His Beatitude, was the Incarnation and Birth by flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ, as the beginning of our salvation and the basis of coexistence between Christians in the Holy Land toward a commendable Christian testimony and support of its Christian inhabitants.

This call was followed by visits from other Churches, i.e. the Latin Patriarchate, the Armenians, Copts, Ethiopians, Syrians, Lutherans and the Apostolic Delegate.

During the speeches and reply speeches of the visitors, the need was stressed for an even closer collaboration among Christian Churches of the Holy Land, toward the resolution of differences and problems, and assistance to Christians in the Middle East, Palestine and the Holy Land.

His Beatitude’s addresses to the guests who collectively visited the Patriarchate, may be reached here: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2014/01/09/3885

And to the Armenians, who visited separately, here: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2014/01/09/3880

Present during the visits were representatives of the Greek Orthodox (Rum Orthodox) Communities of the Patriarchate, namely the Jerusalemite Community of St James the Brother of God; the Community of Shepherds Village; and the Community of Tubas in the Neapolis/Samaria area.

The day’s visits closed with the visit of the Israeli Police of Jerusalem.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/EvygDDqvvjI

On Friday the 21^st of December 2013/3^rd of January 2014, a concert was performed by the Orthodox choir of “King Jesus” under the spiritual guidance of the Patriarchal Commissioner in Bethlehem, Archbishop Theophylaktos of Jordan, the direction of Greek Orthodox theologian Mr Jandallah Al Masre, and the blessing of His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem. The concert was held under the aegis of His Excellency the President of the Palestinian State, Mr Mahmud Abbas Abu Mazen, in collaboration with the sponsor, Mr Said Taufik Khoury at the Convention Center near Solomon’s cisterns, between Bethlehem and Hebron.

His Beatitude Theophilos attended the concert accompanied by the Patriarchal Commissioner, the Most Reverend Isychios, Metropolitan of Kapitolias; the Elder Secretary-General, His Eminence Aristarchos, Archbishop of Constantina; the Hegoumen of Fhes, Archimandrite Ieronymos; Archimandrite Ignatios, Archdeacon Evlogios and other Hagiotaphite Fathers, as well as representatives of other Christian denominations, i.e. the Apostolic Delegation, Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, a representative of President Mahmud Abbas and other officials of the Palestinian State, i.e. Minister Ziad Al-Bandak, the representative of the Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem Mme Aspasia Mitsi; the Mayor of Bethlehem, Mme Vera Baboun, priests hailing from various cities of Israel and Palestine and a great crowd of approximately five hundred.

Before the start of this year’s ceremony, excerpts were shown from last year’s concert featuring the sponsor of both last year’s and this year’s concert, Mr Said Khoury.

This year, the ceremony began with a live broadcast of Mr Said Khoury from Athens, followed by the address of Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, who stressed the importance of the Palestinian land to the Palestinian people, and also of the coexistence between Christians and Muslims in the Palestinian state, which also celebrates the feast of Christmas.

His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, went on to address those present in Arabic, see link: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2014/01/04/3017

Mr George Bassous, Director of the Convention Center, was the next speaker, highlighting the significance of Christmas as a celebration of tolerance and philanthropy and favour of God towards man.

Upon the conclusion of the speeches began the performance of songs in the Byzantine style, complemented by musical instruments. The songs were ecclesiastical hymns dedicated to the period of Christmas, or carols translated by Mr Jandallah into Arabic.

Prime Minister Rame Hamdallah, who had to leave before the end of the concert, was awarded the honorary plaque of the choir by His Beatitude Theophilos.

In the same context, the Convention Center, represented by Mr George Bassous, offered to His Beatitude and the Prime Minister plaques featuring a mosaic representation of the Church of the Resurrection and the Temple of Solomon.

The choir awarded honorary plaques to His Beatitude, Mr Said Khoury, Mr George Bassous and Mr Suhair Francis.

Through the impeccable performance of exquisite hymns and Christmas carols, “King Jesus” choir moved the spectators during this praiseworthy preparation for Christmas, inviting thoughts about the power and vitality of our Greek Orthodox Community, inasmuch as it is nurtured by the life-giving sustenance of our ecclesiastical and national tradition.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/EahWn1PNB78

On Tuesday the 18^th/31^st of December 2013, the annual sweeping-cleaning of the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem took place, according to the standing regime of veneration.

The responsibility for the aforementioned sweeping rests with the three Major Christian Communities, Greek-Orthodox, Franciscans and Armenians, in agreement with the local Government, thus this year with the Palestinian Government.

Participating in the sweeping on behalf of the Orthodox were most of the Hagiotaphite Fathers near and afar, serving in Bethlehem, and other servants, in the personal presence and guidance of His Beatitude Theophilos, our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem.

Attending on behalf of the Palestinian Government were the President of the Committee of Christian Affairs, Mr Hanne Amire, Minister Mr Ziad Bandak, Minister Mme Hulud Deibas, the Mayor of Bethlehem, Mme Vera Baboun, the representative of the Palestinian state to Rome, Mr Issah Kasiye, the Prefect and the Police Director of the region of Bethlehem and his associates.

Each community, namely ours, the community of the Franciscans and that of the Armenians, went on to sweep the area determined by the veneration regime, the only difference to previous years being that this year the sweeping in the chapel used by the Armenians opposite the northern gate of the Cavern was performed simultaneously by Orthodox and Armenians, in the areas belonging to each according to the regime, and without any limitations as to the number of participating clerics.

With the help of God, the cooperation of the three Communities with the competent representatives of the Palestinian state, and mutual self-restraint, the sweeping was performed without any disagreements or arguments, peacefully and promptly.

Immediately after the sweeping, coffee was offered to the Franciscans, then the Armenians. Finally, a meatless lunch was hosted by the Hegoumen of the Pilgrimage Site, Archbishop Theophylaktos of Jordan, to His Beatitude, His Hagiotaphite retinue, Franciscans, Armenians, and to the Representatives of the Palestinian state and the Palestinian Police.

From the Secretariat-General

On Monday, the 18^th/30^th of  December 2013, the regular reception of the Heads of Christian Churches in the Holy Land by the President of the state of Israel, Mr Shimon Peres, took place in the Presidential Palace in Jerusalem, on the occasion of the advent of the new year.

The event initially began as a reception, followed by an official ceremony, at the Events Hall of the Presidential Palace.

At the beginning of the ceremony, President Peres welcomed the Heads of Churches and their attendants, pointing out that the meeting is an opportunity to pray for the cessation of bloodshed in many countries of the world. “Humanity”, he said, “suffers from the lack of safety and the necessities of life, because of terrorist acts committed across the world. Many countries such as Syria, Yemen, and others, are bleeding. Organized terrorist groups come from the outside and act against other countries in a terrorizing and destructive manner. The adherents of the three largest religious have the power to pray for peace. Our thoughts are directed to explosions in different countries of the world, as well as to families and their victimized children.

The state of Israel is committed to the freedom of worship and the freedom of religion. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to come to the Holy Pilgrimage Sites and to the City of Jerusalem for peace. The state of Israel brought to justice cases of violent acts at the expense of Christians. We are in need of the prayers of religious leaders. I wish all of you “Merry Christmas”.

For his part, the Interior Minister of Israel, Mr Gideon Sa’ar, underlined the existence of Christian Communities in the cities of Israel, celebrating the feast of Christmas in a festive atmosphere, adding that the state of Israel is committed to providing freedom of worship to Christian Churches and unhindered access to the Holy Sites of Pilgrimage; also, that it condemns the attacks of extreme elements against the Christians, known as ‘price-tag crimes’. These incidents are opposed to the values of the state of Israel. “On this occasion”, he said, “I welcome the Heads of Christians Churches to Israel and their representatives, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem and all of them. I take this opportunity to extend my congratulations on the visit of Pope Francis to the Holy Land next May and wish everyone a Happy New Year”.

His Beatitude Theophilos, our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem, spoke in English on behalf of the Heads of Churches, see link: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2013/12/30/3719

The speech marked the conclusion of the visit of the Heads of Churches to the Presidential Palace.

From the Secretariat-General

On Monday the 10^th/23^rd of December 2013, a meeting took place between His Majesty, King Abdullah II Ibn Al-Hussein, and the Heads of Churches of the Holy Land and their retinue, on the approaching feast of Christmas. The meeting was held in the city of Madaba, Jordan, at the Hall of the American University.

During the meeting, which is indicative of the stance of the Royal family and the Jordanian Government towards the Christians of Jordan, the speaker addressed guests to the event by pointing out that the Christian society constitutes an inseparable part of the country of Jordan and of the Jordanian land. Here, Christianity draws its beginnings through the baptismal of our Lord Jesus Christ in the river Jordan by John the Baptist; it therefore coexists with the Jordanian society to the benefit, progress and prosperity of the Jordanian homeland.

In the context of this meeting, which is indeed an honour for Christians, His Beatitude made a speech in Arabic, which may be reached here: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2013/12/23/2994

Both His Beatitude during His address, as well as subsequent speakers, i.e. the Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem, Mr Fouad Twal, the former Minister of Water and Irrigation of Jordan, Mr Munther Haddadin, the Mayor of Madaba and others, underscored the affluent and diverse tradition of the city of Madaba, the center of which is the Byzantine mosaic map. The map, which has been dated to the 6^th century, provides a precise and miraculous geographic representation of the Holy Land during the years of Christ’s life on earth.

From the Secretariat-General

On Saturday the 8^th/21^st December 2013, the Heads of Churches of the Holy Land and their retinue were invited to lunch at the Intercontinental hotel, near Bethlehem, by the President of the Palestinian Autonomy, Mr Mahmoud Abbas Abu Mazen. Mr Mazen was represented by the Chairman of the Palestinian Committee of Christian Affairs, Mr Hanne Amire, and Committee members.

The Patriarchate was represented by His Beatitude Theophilos, our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem, accompanied by the Patriarchal Commissioner in Bethlehem, His Eminence Theophylaktos, Archibishop of Jordan, and by presbyter f. Issa Musleh, liaison with the Arabic Mass Media.

During lunch, His Beatitude addressed the Chairman and the members of the Committee of Christian Affairs, as well as their lunch-guests, in Arabic. His speech may be reached here: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2013/12/24/2992

From the Secretariat-General

On Sunday the 2^nd/15^th of December 2013, the Minister of Defense of Greece, Mr Demetrios Avramopoulos, visited the Patriarchate in the context of a political visit to the state of Israel. Mr Avramopoulos was accompanied by his associates, political and military alike, Mr Aristeidis Kalogeropoulos, European Affairs Secretary, the Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, Mr Michael Kostarakos, the Greek Ambassador to Israel, Mr Spyridon Lambrides, and the Consul-General of Greece to Jerusalem, Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis.

The Minister was warmly received by HB Theophilos, our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem, in the company of Hagiotaphite members.

During his visit, the Minister told His Beatitude that “we are here at the Patriarchate with great love and respect for You, in order to receive Your wish and declare our support, because You have upgraded the representation of the Patriarchate, and brought peace to it; and for this we congratulate You”.

In His response, His Beatitude said “we happily welcome you as the representative of our country, Greece, the protector of the Patriarchate, of the Rum Orthodox in Israel, the Palestinian Autonomy, Jordan, and Qatar. This position of Greece was achieved owing to the efforts of the late Benedict, Patriarch of Jerusalem. The place of Christians as a religious entity in the Middle East is indeed crucial. For them, and for the future of Jerusalem, the role of the Patriarchate is of great importance. The Patriarchate preserves the religious and political status of Jerusalem. The sites of pilgrimage lie at the core of international interest”.

“As a result of its position, the Patriarchate is involved in the problems of the city of Jerusalem, yet being impartial itself, greatly contributes to their solution, drawing on its moral and material power and property”.

The Minister responded by expressing his joy over the upgraded level of life and action of the Patriarchate and its relations with the local authority.

“Greece is aware” said the Minister, “of the historical, religious and national role of the Patriarchate and, despite the country’s adversities, stands by the Patriarchate’s heavy heritage. Greece is content over the reestablishment of peace in the life of the Patriarchate. The Patriarchate lies in an area that is at the crossroads of several peoples, nations and interests. We ask for Your blessing”.

His Beatitude also referred to the role of the Patriarchate in the promotion of peace negotiations, to its active participation in the renovation of the roof of the Basilica in Bethlehem, and the renovation of the Monastery of John the Baptist in the Jordan.

In this framework, the Minister offered His Beatitude a silver box, whilst His Beatitude offered Mr Avramopoulos a large icon of Theotokos Jerusalemite, a mother-of-pearl representation of the Nativity, and the book “History of Jerusalem” by Chrysostomos Papadopoulos. The Minister’s associates were offered icons of the All-Holy Sepulcher and other Jerusalemite eulogias.

Seen out by His Beatitude, the Minister and his retinue continued on foot to venerate the All-Holy Sepulcher.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/8cpVy0kkhR4

On Thursday, the 22^nd of November/5^th of December 2013, a Council of the Heads of Jordan Churches was convened in Amman.

The Council has been recently established and recognized by the state of Jordan as the legitimate body authorized to deal with issues pertaining to Christians inhabiting its dominion.

His Beatitude Theophilos, our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem, made a speech at the meeting, commenting on the modus operandi of the Jordanian Council of Churches and its purposes. In English, the speech may be read here:  https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2013/12/05/3350

From the Secretariat-General