On Thursday, the 14^th/27^th November 2014, the Chief of the Hellenic Navy, Mr Evangelos Apostolakis, visited the Patriarchate. He was accompanied by a group of his associates, the representative of the Hellenic Embassy to Israel, Mr Evangelos Panagiotou, and Mr Gennimatas.

Mr Apostolakis and his associates were received by His Beatitude, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, and Hagiotaphite Fathers.

In the context of this visit, His Beatitude talked to Mr Apostolakis on the sanctity of Jerusalem, land of the Lord’s Crucifixion and Resurrection, as well as on the city’s particularity and ? He also referred to the conciliatory, peacemaking role of the Patriarchate in support of the current status quo as the safest context of interreligious and nationwide peaceful coexistence.

Mr Apostolakis expressed his appraisal of the Patriarchate’s work, thanked His Beatitude for receiving him and asked for His blessing before venerating at the Holy Sepulcher.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/l6Mp_5rhcI4

On Thursday, the 14^th/27^th of November 2014, the Greek Minister of Public Order, Mr Vassilis Kikilias, visited the Patriarchate. He was accompanied by his associates, the Greek ambassador to Israel, Mr Spyridon Lambrides, and the Consul-General to Jerusalem, Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis.

The Minister was received by His Beatitude, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, and Hagiotaphite Fathers.

During the meeting, Mr Kikilias pointed out that he follows and appreciates the work performed by the Patriarchate within its jurisdiction in the Holy Land.

In response, His Beatitude said that the Patriarchate’s work extends to its flock, but also to the other residents of Israel, Jordan, the Palestinian State and Qatar, which falls within its ecclesiastical jurisdiction.

The Minister went on to ask His Beatitude to suggest in what manner Greece, and particularly the Ministry of Public Order, could offer help. His Beatitude responded that the most effective way of assistance is the cooperation between the Patriarchate and the Greek government, represented here by its Embassy and the Consulate-General.

His Beatitude underlined the peacemaking role which could be undertaken by Judaism, Christianity and Islamism during religious and national extremities in Jerusalem and other cities of Israel and of the Palestinian State.

The Minister thanked His Beatitude for His time and asked for His blessing before carrying on his visit to the state of Israel.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/P-Il_WRWrBY

On Thursday, the 7^th/20^th of November 2014, a twenty-member group of Cyprus Police Officers, led by Nicosia District Commissioner Demetrios Demetriou, visited the Patriarchate.

The delegation was received by H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, in the presence of Hagiotaphite Fathers. During the meeting, His Beatitude referred to the spiritual aid granted to pilgrims visiting the Holy Sites of Pilgrimage that are drenched with the blood of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. He also talked of the long links connecting the Church of Jerusalem to the Church of Cyprus since the years of the New Testament and along the course of the history of the Church, as attested by the pastoral diaconate of Cypriot Hagiotaphites, e.g. St George the Cypriot of Hozeva and the New-Martyr Hagiotaphite, St Philoumen the Cypriot.

The District Commissioner thanked His Beatitude for His fervent words and pledged to offer the help of the Cyprus Police to the Patriarchate as well as to the recently restored Exarchate of the Holy Sepulcher in Cyprus.

Having received His Beatitude’s blessing, the police officers carried on their pilgrimage on the way to the Holy Sepulcher and the other Shrines.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/5RblGZ4uI5k

On Sunday, the 3^rd/16^th of November 2014, the translation of the relics of St George the Great Martyr and Trophy Bearer was commemorated at St George Church in Lydda, Israel, which is a center of worship for the Patriarchate’s Greek Orthodox Arab-speaking Community.

Commemorated on this particular feast-day is not only the Saint’s martyrdom, but also the translation of his holy relics, circa 305 AD, from Rome to his maternal place of origin, to be buried in Lydda where, according to the Acts of the Apostles, an early Christian community existed from the dawn of Christianity (Acts 9, 32-35).

On top of the saint’s grave in Lydda, Saint Helena built a magnificent church between 326 and 336 AD. The church survives to this day, even though one half of the building was conquered in unknown times and is being used as a mosque to this day.

The divine Liturgy was held on the morning of the feast-day, led by H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem. Co-officiating were His Eminence Damascene, Archbishop of Joppa; the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Archbishop Demetrius of Lydda, Hagiotaphite Hieromonks, Arab-speaking presbyters, Archdeacon Evlogios and Hierodeacon Dionysius. In attendance was the representative of the Greek Embassy to Israel, Mr Alexandros Gennimatas, the Cypriot Ambassador to Israel, Mr Panagis, and the Romanian Ambassador to Israel, Mrs Andrea. The choir of the Community of Lydda sang in Arabic, while a crowd of faithful (though not as many as last year, due to heavy rain) from the town and other areas of Israel and of the occupied areas proceeded to venerate at the Saint’s tomb.

During Communion, His Beatitude preached the Word of God in Greek. In Arabic, the homily may be reached here: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2014/11/16/8216

After the apolysis, the Abbot of the Shrine, Archimandrite Nicodemus, hosted guests to a reception at the Hegoumen’s Quarters, thanking His Beatitude for His interest in the flock. In His reply speech, the Patriarch said that St George is an ecumenical saint for all Churches, having suffered a martyr’s death for the love of Christ.

At noon, Abbot Nicodemus and the Community Council hosted lunch for His Beatitude and retinue, as well as for the Ambassadors of Orthodox states to Israel having attended mass, the Mayor of Lydda, members of the Community and other guests.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/YcvYUayj040

httpv://youtu.be/1zrzUlq5Ke4

On Tuesday, the 19^th of October/11^th of November 2014, Mr Seraphim Tsokas, General Secretary of Civil Protection at the Hellenic Ministry of Public Order, visited the Patriarchate. Mr Tsokas was accompanied by his esteemed wife and Greece’s Consul-General to Jerusalem, Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis.

Mr Tsokas and his attendants were received by H.B., Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, and Hagiotaphite Fathers.

An interesting discussion took place during the meeting, on the historical and statutory responsibility of the Patriarchate to safeguard the Holy Sites of Pilgrimage, as well as the need to maintain the current status of veneration, as the only way to achieve a safe and peaceful coexistence between followers of different Christian denominations in the Holy Land and by extension, of the three monotheistic religions.

Indicative of the aforementioned stance of the Patriarchate was the visit, yesterday, of the Heads of Christian Churches in the Holy Land to the Mosque of Omar area. The visit was conducted in support of the prevalent status applied in the area, against extreme Jewish religious elements attempting to alter it.

On the conclusion of Mr Tsokas’ visit, His Beatitude offered him the book on the Church of Jerusalem by Chrysostomos Papadopoulos, as well as Jerusalemite blessings.

Mr Tsokas then left the Patriarchate in order to venerate at the Church of the Resurrection and the Holy Sepulcher.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/FOgD2hTN9CM

On Friday, the 25^th of October/7^th of November 2014, the feast of the Great Martyr, St Demetrius the Myrrh-Bearer, was celebrated by the Patriarchate at the Church dedicated to him in the Greek Orthodox Community of Rafidia, a town in the city Nablus of Samaria, also home to Jacob’s Well.

The Divine Liturgy was led by H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem. Co-officiating were: the Most Reverend Metropolitan Kyriakos of Nazareth and their Eminences, Archbishops Aristarchos of Constantina and Theophylaktos of Jordan. Also in attendance were Hagiotaphite Hieromonks, i.e. the Abbot at Jacob’s Well and founder of the magnificent Church at the aforementioned pilgrimage site, Archimandrite Justinus, and Protosyncellus Leontios of St. Demetrius church. Priests from neighbouring towns and parishioners attended mass in piety, as the Head Cantor of the Church of the Resurrection, Archimandrite Aristovoulos, sang in Greek and the Community Choir sang in Arabic.

During the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch Theophilos preached the Word of God in Greek, saying among other things:

“St Demetrius was distinguished both for his piety and for this teaching contribution, namely the dissemination of the true faith in Christ, the Son of God and Saviour of the World. Being a faithful follower of Christ and preacher of the Gospels, Demetrius had in mind the words of the Lord to His disciples: “But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony”, (Luke 21, 12-13).

Which means that all persecutions and adversities shall have as their final outcome and result the testimony you shall give for my Gospel, so that this testimony shall test those who shall not be able to justify themselves on Judgment Day, for they had no hearkened the preaching of the gospel. The day of judgment shall be the hour “when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment”, (John 5, 28-29).

In Arabic, the speech may be reached here: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2014/11/07/8043

After the Divine Liturgy, the apolysis, and the distribution of consecrated bread (antidoron), a reception followed at the Abbot’s Quarters. At noon, lunch was offered by the town’s Municipal Council.

On the conclusion of the feast, His Beatitude visited Jacob’s Well before returning to Jerusalem.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/MJV-l4yFlfg

httpv://youtu.be/WK69ffxw1wI

On Sunday, the 20^th of October/2^nd of November 2014, the Mayor of the City Kiev, Mr Vitaliy Klychko, an internationally acclaimed boxing champion, visited the Patriarchate. He was accompanied by the Ambassador of Ukraine to Israel, Mr Hennadii Nadolenko, and by Avrum Silman.

They were received by H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Hagiotaphite Fathers.

An interesting discussion took place in the context of the meeting, on the current situation in Ukraine and how it could be cured in the Ecumenical spirit of Orthodoxy, which includes all nations and, while respecting their national singularity, keeps them joined to its core.

Reference was also made to the importance of the city of Jerusalem and to the Patriarchate’s religious and peacemaking work in the wider Middle East region. The pastoral activities of late Patriarchs of Jerusalem were also brought up, i.e. Patriarchs Theophanes and Paisios, protectors of the Orthodox flock from the Latin propaganda.

Mr Vitaliy Klychko expressed his conviction that sports contribute to man’s physical wellbeing, whereas His Beatitude recalled the ancient Greeks’ motto – ‘a healthy mind in a healthy body’, adding that extreme religious and political elements must be tackled through initiatives that could keep the youth on the way to healthy destinations.

Gifts were exchanged between Mr Klychko and His Beatitude, as the Patriarch wished that the Mayor play a conciliatory role in Ukraine’s political problem through the mediation of Theotokos.

From the Secretariat-General

On Thursday, the 17^th/30^th 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

On Tuesday the 15^th/28^th of October 2014, Doxology was held at the Church of the Resurrection, in celebration of the 28^th of October 1940 national day.

Doxology was performed in the form of extending gratitude to God for His help in liberating Greece from the burden of the 1940 Italian and German occupation, and of making a supplication for the repose of those heroically fallen for their faith and country.

Doxology was led by H.B. Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, with co-officiating Prelates and Hieromonks, in the presence of the Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem, Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis, and members of the Consulate personnel. Concelebrating with them were nuns and members of the Greek parish.

On the conclusion of Doxology, a reception was hosted at the Patriarchate, where His Beatitude addressed guests in Greek.

In Arabic, His speech may be reached here: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2014/10/28/7860

In his own speech, the Consul-General of Greece said the following:

The epos of 1940 has been indelibly imprinted on our collective memory as part of our national identity and consciousness.

Today we pay minimum tribute to the worthy guardians and keepers of our traditions, who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for the freedom of the Homeland. We stand in awe in front of the splendour of their souls, with gratitude in the face of their sacrifices, and with pride of their heroism. We honour their memory and contribution. They fulfilled their duty.

Let us now consider our own duty, and our own responsibilities vis-a-vis our History and the future of our Nation.

From the Secretariat-General

Monday, 27 October 2014

Your Beatitude Patriarch Daniel, beloved concelebrant in the Lord,

Your Eminences,

Your Graces,

Respected Members of the Government, Beloved Monastics,

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

We greet you today in this festive celebration, and we bring to you the grace of the Holy Tomb and the prayers of the Christian community of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. It is our deep joy to be with you today and to celebrate this feast of Saint Demetrios the New Martyr.

Saint Demetrios the New Martyr reminds us of the meaning of martyrdom. There have been martyrs in every age, and every local Church venerates its own martyrs who have given their lives and united their blood with the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Indeed we live even now in a new age of martyrs, as we witness the persecution of Christians in many parts of the world, especially in the Middle East, the cradle of Christianity.

To be a martyr is to be a witness. Martyrs are witnesses to us of the salvific truth of the Christian revelation. In their sacrifice we see the image of the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the prince of martyrs. The martyrs follow in the footsteps of their Lord, and they are an inspiration to us of constancy, perseverance, and faithfulness.

The martyrs are a witness to the selfless love of Christ. In their sacrifice, the martyrs show us what it means not simply to endure suffering and death, but to love as Christ loves even in the face of death. This tradition was established by Saint Stephen the Proto-martyr in the Acts of the Apostles, who, after the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, out of love forgave those who stoned him. Also, we remember Saint Thekla from Iconium, a disciple of Saint Paul, who became known as the first female martyr. In her life such was her love of Christ, and such was her complete devotion to him, that she is called “Equal-to-the-Apostles.”

In these two persons we can see the true meaning of martyrdom. And this is precisely why, as Saint John Chrysostom has said, martyrdom is an encouragement to the faithful. For the martyrs teach us that we, too, are called to love others, even our enemies and persecutors, as Christ loves us, even in the face of persecution, suffering, and death. For the path of this love is the path of theosis, that is to say, of true union with God, and this is the ultimate vocation of every Christian.

We keep today the feast of Saint Demetrios the New Martyr of Bessarabia, a beloved saint and martyr of the Romanian people, and the patron saint of Bucharest. He is a further testimony of the enduring influence of martyrdom in the life of the Church. The Romanian people have had many martyrs throughout the decades of the persecution of the Church during the totalitarian regime of the 20^th century. The sacred blood of these martyrs watered the seeds of the Church of Romania and today the Church is harvesting the fruits of this martyrdom in the re-birth of faith in your country. We are witnesses of this new life, and witnesses of the assurance of our Lord in the Gospel of Saint Matthew that even the gates of Hades will not prevail against the Church (cf Mt. 16:18).

But the vocation of martyrdom is not limited to those who die a physical death for their faith in Christ. The fruit of martyrdom is our martyrium in the world, which is expressed in various forms. For example, the Church also understands that both marriage and the monastic life in Christ are types of martyrium. This is why in the Sacrament of Marriage the husband and wife are crowned – these are the crowns of martyrs whose witness to the love of our Lord Jesus Christ makes them put another’s life before their own.

We are reminded of this in the Marriage Service,

Hear us, you martyred Saints, who fought the good fight, gaining crowns: entreat the Lord to shed His tender mercy on our souls

Equally men and women monastics, by choosing the angelic life, testify to martyrium, for they bear a distinctive witness to the life of the Kingdom of God. They point us to the vision of the words from The Letter to the Hebrews, where we read of “the assembly of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven… and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect” (Heb. 12:23).

In this way, every Christian is called to follow in the footsteps of the martyrs, for every Christian is called to be a living witness. Whether enduring persecution, living in the married state, or committing oneself to the monastic life, the Christian is always a witness, always participating in martyrium. We emphasize this, because our world is enduring terrible suffering and peoples everywhere are crushed by war, poverty, disease, degradation, famine, injustice, indignity, and humiliation. There is everywhere a lack of respect for the human person as created in the image and likeness of God.

 In our troubled world, it is the Incarnate Love of God and his resurrection that are our living beacon of hope. The Christian, as a member of the Body of Christ, that is the Church, must be a true witness to this love, and on this feast of Saint Demetrios, the patron saint of this historic city, we re-dedicate ourselves to this vocation, which is precisely articulated by the hymnographer of the Church, saying:

 Your martyrs, Ο Lord, in their struggles received crowns of incorruptibility from you, our God; for with your strength, Ο Lord, they overcame tyrants, defeated demons, rendering them powerless. By their intercessions, Ο Christ our God, save our souls.

Saint Demetrios the New Martyr stands before us as an inspiration of strength and endurance in our modern world that suffers from confusion and loss of purpose. We say this, for the way to honour a martyr, indeed, is to imitate him, as Saint Basil says.

Let us then give praise to our Lord Jesus Christ for the great witness of the martyrs of His love. May Christ our God, through the intercessions of our Most Holy, Ever-Virgin Mary and Theotokos, and through the intercessions of Saint Demetrios the New Martyr, protect the faithful people of Romania and establish His peace in our world and in our hearts.

Amen.

His Beatitude

THEOPHILOS III

Patriarch of Jerusalem