On the 9^th and 10^th/22^nd and 23^rd of January 2015, the Executive Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches (M.E.C.C.) was convened at the Marriott Hotel by the Dead Sea.

Leaders or the Representatives of Leaders of the Four Families comprising the M.E.C.C. participate in this Committee, namely: the Eastern Orthodox (Patriarchates of Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem, Church of Cyprus) the Pro-Chalcedon (Armenians, Copts, Syrians), the Catholic and the Evangelical Churches.

Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem was the president of the Orthodox Church in this Committee. He was accompanied by the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, and Archimandrite f. Ieronymus, Abbot in Fhes.

The opening address of Patriarch Theophilos, in English, has been posted on the Patriarchate’s Website, at: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2015/01/22/11624

An address was also delivered by the Syrian Catholic Patriarch of Lebanon, His Eminence Ignatius, who underlined the acts of violence committed against Christians and other innocent citizens in Iraq and the whole of the Middle East. The Lutheran Bishop in Jerusalem, His Grace Munib Younan, pointed out the significance of the meeting of Churches on the site where the Lord was baptized, especially today when atrocities are being committed against the innocent, asking how the M.E.C.C. may put a halt to these acts of violence and find a balance between freedom of religion and freedom of expression.

On the conclusion of the speeches, father Michael Jallack, acting general secretary of the M.E.C.C., read his report in English, see link: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2015/01/23/11616

Also posted on the Patriarchate’s website is a video featuring the report of Ms Wafa Gousous, M.E.C.C. Director of the Amman Office, on the activity of the Office as regards Syrian and Iraqi refugees in the Zaatar camp.

The deliberations of the two-day meeting of the M.E.C.C. were concluded on Friday the 10^th/23^rd of January, at noon. The relevant press release will be posted here in due time.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/ZLYyCQNOVQY

22 of January 2015

“Every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit”, (Matt. 7:17).

“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit”, (Matt. 12:33), says the Lord.

Very Reverend Secretary General,

Your Graces,

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the M.E.C.C.,

As we gather here in the area beyond the Jordan River and the wilderness of Saint John the Baptist, We greet you with the joy of the Epiphany or the Holy Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The meeting of our M.E.C.C. Executive Committee is taking place in this current crucial time, in which the world in general, together with our Christian congregations and their fellow countrymen here in the Middle East, are facing many challenges that urge us to respond. Therefore, this is the time that our Council as one unique body that demonstrates togetherness and unity and exemplary coexistence with our fellow citizens in our respective countries has the moral task to gather strength and raise loudly our Lord’s prophetic words “The people who sat in the darkness have seen a great light and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death, light has dawned”-(Matt. 4:6).

Our mission is precisely this, to proclaim that indeed “Light has dawned”, and that it is the same light that must be translated into action. That is to say, the M.E.C.C. must become the one and only effective instrument of peace and reconciliation to all people and to Christians specifically, who together with innocent people have become the main target of persecution and displacement from their own relative homelands. In this regard, the M.E.C.C. must make use of this unique composition, its physical presence and its unified power to draw attention of the international community, i.e. governments, organizations, and key world civic, religious and Church figures.

It is therefore recommended that an action plan be put into place, such as:

1. The establishment of an effective media and communication department that would become the primary source of information to the world regarding the Christians in the Middle East, a task that we seek to share with the World Council of Churches.
2. The consideration to capitalize on its role as a tool to morally encourage and financially assist the most vulnerable and those affected by life – threatening occurrences, and to remain a living martyria, i.e. witness, to the redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ.
3. The empowerment of our Council in regaining the collective support of efforts of its offices and programs that would enable its Headquarter to resume its original forefront position.

In this context, We discretely suggest that an earnest appeal be made to the partners, donors and friends of M.E.C.C. to come forward, joining our common efforts and vocal concern. In doing so, there would be a limitation to the forced migration and negative circumstances of Middle East Christians and a contribution to the diversity and growth of the Churches within M.E.C.C.

We take this opportunity to express our gratitude to His Majesty King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, for his firm advocacy of the presence and protection of Christians, as a custodian of the Christian and Islamic Holy Places in Jerusalem and the Holy Land.

We would also like to thank the Secretary General of this Council, Reverend Father Michael Jalakh and his staff, including the Director of the M.E.C.C. office in Amman Miss Waffa Ksouss for the tireless efforts to make this convention possible, and of course for his commitment to the mission of our Council.

Thank you, and We wish success in our deliberations.

His Beatitude

THEOPHILOS III

Patriarch of Jerusalem

On Wednesday, the 8^th/21^st of January 2015, two days after the Epiphany, the Patriarchate celebrated the feast of the Monastery of Hozeva to commemorate its proprietors, Sts John and George the Hozevites.

The two hosioi had played a significant role in the history of the Monastery: in the 5^th c. AD, St John arrived here from his bishopric in Caesarea, Palestine, whereas St George came from Cyprus in the 7^th c. AD to restore the Monastery after the damage it sustained because of the Persian invasion in 614 AD.

His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, arrived at the Monastery from Jerusalem, and was welcomed by the Hegoumen, Archimandrite Constantinos.

The Patriarch went on to lead the Matins and the divine Liturgy. Co-officiating with Him was Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Archimandrite Constantinos, Hagiosabbite Hieromonk f. Euprosynos, Arab-speaking presbyters and priests visiting from the Patriarchate of Romania, Archdeacon Evlogios and other deacons. The Hieromonk of the Monastery of Giromerio and Monk Joseph of Mount Athos sang in Greek, with Archimandrite Philotheoss of Accra singing in Arabic, in the presence of local Christians and pilgrims from Greece, Russia and Romania.

During mass, the Patriarch preached the Word of God in Greek.

In Arabic, the speech may be reached here: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2015/01/21/9627

On the conclusion of the divine Liturgy, the Hegoumen, f. Constantinos, hosted guests to lunch.

From the Secretariat-General

On Wednesday, the 8^th/21^st of January 2015, two days after the Orthodox feast of Epiphany, and on the feast-day of St George the Hozevite, the Patriarchate reciprocated the visit paid by the Armenians on the occasion of Orthodox Christmas, as the Armenians celebrate the Nativity after the Epiphany.

This visit to the Armenian Patriarchate in Jerusalem, which stands where St James, the son of Zebedee and brother of the Evangelist John suffered a martyr’s death, was paid by Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem and Hagiotaphite Fathers. There, Patriarch Theophilos addressed the Armenian Patriarch, Nourhan, in English, see link: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2015/01/21/11621

The Armenian Patriarch replied by extending thanks for the visit and underlining its importance for the peaceful coexistence of Christians in the Holy Land.

From the Secretariat-General

21 January 2015

Your Beatitude,

Your Eminences,

Your Graces,

Beloved Members of our Brotherhoods.

Christ is born! Glorify Him!

We greet you, Your Beatitude, the Brotherhood of Saint James and your entire community in the Holy Land ad you celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ. In this holy season, Christians everywhere are united in the mystery of the Word made flesh, the Incarnate Logos of God, whose birth in the cave at Bethlehem ushers in the new age in which humanity has been reconciled to God.

As we greet you, Your Beatitude, on this happy feast, we are keenly aware that this New Year brings in its train a tragic anniversary for the Armenian people. The genocide that the Armenian people suffered a century ago remains a terrible stain on human history and we remember especially all those who fled the terror and made their way to the Armenian community in the Holy Land, where they found refuge, safety and a new life. We assure you and your people that we shall be keeping you in our prayers as the centenary unfolds and especially in April when the commemorations around the world will be focused on who suffered and lost their homes, families and lives in this act man’s inhumanity to man.

We live in a world in which, even now, many different ethnic, religious, and cultural groups and communities continue to suffer persecution, violence, and even annihilation. The centenary of the Armenian Genocide, as well as the plight of many in our region today, are stark reminders that we must ever be vigilant in opposing in the strongest possible terms an at every opportunity acts of terrorism, violence, and degradation.

Our mission as those to whom the guardianship and the diakonia of the Holy Places has been entrusted is to ensure that all people without distinction are welcomed and cared for when they come for spiritual refreshment. The dialogue between our communities must always be of the highest caliber and commitment so that the world may see the fruits of our mission clearly. Our relationships with those who seek to help and support us both in this region and around the world are also the deepest importance.

As we rejoice together in this holy season, may God bless you, Your Beatitude in your primatial ministry and may God bless the Brotherhood of Saint James and the people of the Armenian community of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. We wish you a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

His Beatitude

THEOPHILOS III

Patriarch of Jerusalem

On Sunday, the 5^th/18^th of January 2015, the Patriarchate celebrated the Eve of Theophany.

Α. The feast in Jerusalem

Early in the morning of the aforementioned day, Matins and the Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom were performed at the monastic church of Sts Constantine and Helen, followed by the service of the Small Blessing, led by His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem.

On the conclusion of the Blessing rite, the Patriarch proceeded to the Patriarchate, where a supplication was made and the Patriarchal Polychronism sang. There, His Beatitude welcomed the vicar of the church of Sts Constantine and Helen, Archbishop Theodosios of Sebaste, who had led the rite of the Eve of Theophany at St James Cathedral for the Arab-speaking Community.

B. In the river Jordan

From the Patriarchate, the Patriarch left for the river Jordan, accompanied by Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina.

Driving through Jericho, His Beatitude visited the Monastery of the Prophet Elisha where stands Zacchaeus’ sycamore fig tree. The Abbot, Archimandrite Philoumenos, welcomed the Patriarch at his quarters. Then, the Patriarch left to meet with the Palestinian Prefect of Jericho, whom he addressed in Arabic, see link:  https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2015/01/18/9544

At the end of the meeting, His Beatitude left the territory of the Palestinian state, passing through the iron border gate. From there, He was accompanied by Israeli soldiers to the Monastery of John the Baptist near the river Jordan.

There, in the forecourt of the Monastery, he was warmly welcomed by Israeli army men of the district of Jericho, Boy Scouts and a great crowd, in the presence of Archimandrite Chrysostomos, Abbot at the Monastery of Abba Gerasimus, Primates and Priests of the Patriarchate as well as priests visiting from other Orthodox Churches.

In the church of this monastery, the Patriarch led the Service of the Ninth Hour of Theophany. From there, He led the procession to the river Jordan.

There, on a platform established by the banks of the Jordan, He performed the rite of the Blessing, in the presence of the Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem, before throwing the holy cross in the river where the Lord was baptized.

On the conclusion of the rite, Archimandrite Chrysostomos hosted guests to lunch at the Monastery of Abba Gerasimus.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/KakMPI-Lglw

httpv://youtu.be/7Y3sRSAQJVM

At 5:00 pm on New Year’s Eve, namely Tuesday the 31^st of December 2014/13^th of January 2015, the pie-cutting ceremony took place at the Patriarchate’s Hall of Events.

At the beginning of the ceremony, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem addressed guests in celebration of the New Year.

The Fathers then sang the Apolytikion of the Circumcision of the Lord and of St Basil.

His Beatitude went on to cut the pie wishing for a “propitious, happy and blessed New Year”, offering the pieces to those honouring the ceremony with their presence, the Primates of the Patriarchate, the Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem, Archimandrites and other Hagiotaphite brothers, members of the Greek Parish and of the Arab-speaking congregation, as well as novices at the Patriarchal School who also sang the Carols for pilgrims.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/RmHrdEetN_g

On Friday, the 27^th of December/9^th of January 2015, the day commemorating St Stephen the Protomartyr, representatives of the Christian Communities in Jerusalem visited the Patriarchate, in reciprocation for the visits they received on the occasion of their Christmas.

In the context of these scheduled visits, representatives of the Franciscan Friars in the Holy Land arrived at the Patriarchate, followed by other Christian Communities, namely Lutherans, Anglicans and Pro-Chalcedonians, Armenians, Copts, Syrians and Ethiopians.

The heads of Churches and their attendants were received by His Beatitude, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, in the presence of Hagiotaphite Fathers.

In the context of addresses made during the visits, the Birth in flesh of our Saviour Jesus Christ was underlined as a starting point of cooperation for the support of Christians in the Holy Land and the promotion of peace in the area.

The work performed by the Churches was especially noted by Patriarch Theophilos in his own speech, in English, firstly to the Franciscans and subsequently to the rest of the Communities, see link: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2015/01/09/11186

The Patriarch’s address to the Armenians may be reached here: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2015/01/09/11190

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/gWfFRv0UUx4

9th of January 2015

Your Eminence Archbishop Aris Shirvanian,
Your Eminences,
Your Graces,
Beloved Members of our Respective Fraternities,
Dear Fathers,

We welcome you to our Patriarchate with these joyful words from Matins of the Nativity:

Come, Ο faithful,
let us go to see where Christ was born!
We shall follow the Wise Men, kings from the East,
and be led by the guiding star to the place where angels sing
unceasing praise.
Shepherds in the fields offer fitting hymns:
Glory in the highest to him who today was born of the Virgin Theotokos in a cave in Bethlehem of Judah!”

Like the Wise Men and the shepherds of old, we in our turn come to the cave to worship the Incarnate Logos, our Lord Jesus Christ, whose birth restores the dignity of our human nature and signals the dawn of our renewed human destiny.
Our Lord’s nativity reminds us in unambiguous terms of the divine-human partnership that is the icon for us not just of our relationship with God, but of our relationship with our fellow human beings. In our region, for centuries we have known the integrity that comes from the diversity of our peoples, cultures, ethnicities, and religions. Without this diversity, the Holy Land in particular and the Middle East in general would be so diminished as to lose an essential element of their identity.

The preservation of this identity depends in large measure on the Church and on the committed co-operation between our various communities, especially those of us to whom God’s providence has entrusted the ministry of guarding-and serving the Holy Places. The Holy Places are the guarantee not only of our sacred history, but of the Christian character of the Holy Land, and their well-being must always be a concern that unites us beyond our differences. There is no place for rivalry, ambition, pride, or envy. We all come to the cave at Bethlehem at Christmas as equal suppliants before the throne of God on earth, and we must always outdo one another in the spirit of co-operation and commitment to ensuring that the Holy Places are maintained and preserved.

At this holy season, of course, Bethlehem is the object of our devotion and the object of the devotion of the world. As one of the oldest churches in continuous use in the world, the Basilica of the Nativity has a special call on our attention, especially at this time when our communities must work closely together for its repair and renovation. In this work the Churches are joined by many others in both the civic and religious
realm, and our task is to allow nothing to stand between us and the successful completion of the restoration of the Basilica.

Over many centuries we have learnt in our region the power of dialogue. Dialogue deepens respect and understanding, and helps to build partnerships for common work and mission. The health of the dialogue between the Churches of the Holy Land is a crucial witness both to our local communities as well as to the world, which looks to us, and to Bethlehem in particular at this time of the year, in hope. The eyes of a hurting world are on us.

In this holy season, therefore, we renew our encouragement to all in our respective communities to a committed and fruitful dialogue so that we may serve the Holy Places and those who worship at them more effectively and faithfully. May God bless you, Your Beatitude, in your primatial ministry, and may God bless our respective fraternities and communities, and all the peoples of our beloved Holy Land.

Thank you.

His Beatitude
THEOPHILOS III
Patriarch of Jerusalem.

9th of January 2015

Your Beatitudes,
Your Eminences,
Your Graces,
Beloved Members of our Respective Fraternities,
Dear Fathers,

We greet you with joy on this glorious Feast of the Nativity,

Today He, who holds the whole creation “in his hand is born of a Virgin,
He, whose essence none can touch is bound in swaddling clothes as a mortal man.
God, who in the beginning fashioned the heavens, lies in a manger.
He who rained manna on his people in the wilderness is fed on milk from
His Mother’s breast. The Bridegroom of the Church summons the Wise Men;
The Son of the Virgin accepts their gifts. We worship your birth, Ο Christ,
(Stichera Tone 6 from the Royal Hours of Christmas Eve)

And as we greet you and enjoy the warmth of this celebration, we remember that in this great mystery of the Incarnation of the Logos, God has united earth and heaven, and restored to humanity our eternal destiny. In this act of love, God has begun a new dialogue between the human and the divine, a dialogue that finds its highest and clearest testimony in the Holy Places. Here, in the Holy Land, God and humanity have enjoyed a unique intimacy, and this intimacy finds its most obvious manifestation in the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

On this great feast, our region remains in grave difficulty. There is violence, persecution, and the displacement of large populations on a vast scale, and ancient communities are under threat- Our long history of co-existence and that diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious landscape that give to the Middle East its essential integrity are under threat as never before in modern times. As we celebrate the nativity of the Prince of Peace, we affirm again in the strongest possible terms the condemnation by the Churches of the Holy Land of all forms of violence, terrorism, intimidation, and prejudice.

The eternal and harmonious dialogue between God and humanity that is inaugurated by the Incarnation must find expression in our own life in the Holy Land. Over time, we have come to understand that true dialogue bears the fruit of compassion, deeper mutual understanding, and effective co-operation. Perhaps the most visible fruit of our common dialogue as Churches was the meeting here in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher of His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew and His Holiness Pope Francis last May. We cannot, we must not, underestimate the power of such demonstrations of the fruit of dialogue in a world that is torn by divisions and despair.

Our chief responsibility as the spiritual leaders of the Churches of the Holy Land is to ensure the integrity of the Christian character of the Holy Land and of the Holy Cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem, and to build up the vitality of the Christian presence here. In this essential mission, dialogue must play a major role. And the results of our fraternal dialogue must be visible for all to see. For then the world will see, in the words of the Psalmist, that

Mercy and truth will meet together;
Righteousness and peace will kiss each other.

(Psalm 84 [85]: 11 [10])

As we keep this holy season in our Churches, let us keep before us always the divine-human dialogue that calls us all into a new relationship with God and with each other. The eyes of the world are always on the Holy Land at this time of the year, and the world must see among us the image of the heavenly Jerusalem and the living example of peace, reconciliation, and mutual respect.

Thank you for your Christmas greetings. May God grant to all the peoples of our region his deep and abiding peace! May God strengthen in the political leaders of our region and the world the commitment to peace. And may God nurture in the hearts of all of us the love of that “peace that passes all understanding” (Phil. 4:7).
Thank you.

His Beatitude
THEOPHILOS III
Patriarch of Jerusalem.