On the afternoon of Friday, the 17^th/30^th of September 2016, the Ukrainian President, Mr Petro Poroshenko, accompanied by his country’s delegation to the funeral of former Israeli President, Shimon Peres, visited the Patriarchate.

His Excellency the Ukrainian President and his 25-member escort, including the Ukrainian Ambassador to Tel Aviv, Mr Hennadii Nadolenko, were welcomed by H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, in the presence of Hagiotaphite Fathers.

In the context of this visit, an interesting discussion took place on the recently observed feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross, having as participants visiting Prelates of Orthodox Churches and several pilgrims, many of whom hailed from Ukraine. Reference was also made to Jerusalem as a site of spiritual repose for pilgrims and to the need for unity in the Church, particularly the Church of Ukraine.

Mr Poroshenko expressed his appreciation of His Beatitude’s unifying stance and pointed out the importance of a future visit to Ukraine.

Also discussed was the recent meeting of the General Assembly of the Middle East Council of Churches in Amman, Jordan, hosted by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem; the Patriarch’s recent visit to Montenegro to attend the opening of the Church of St John Vladimir and the unifying role of the Orthodox Church for all Orthodox nations.

As a token of remembrance, the Patriarch offered the President an icon of the restored Aedicula of the Holy Sepulchre, which Mr Poroshenko said will decorate his office. His Beatitude also offered a gold pectoral cross and Jerusalemite eulogias for all the members of his escort.

Then, accompanied by Patriarch Theophilos and Hagiotaphite Fathers, Mr Poroshenko walked to the Church of the Resurrection where he venerated before observing the restoration works underway on the Holy Aedicula.

The Ukrainian President was then welcomed by the Assistant Sacristan, Archimandrite Polycarpos, to the Office of the Church of the Resurrection, where he venerated the holy relics and the Cross, as blessing for his arduous and significant work in his country of origin.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/yQ3kq78qimg

A. In the afternoon during Vespers

On Tuesday, the 14^th/27^th of September 2016, the Patriarchate celebrated the Elevation of the Holy Cross in commemoration of the fact that, on the completion of the opening of the Church of the Resurrection in 336 AD, St Helen and Archbishop Makarios of Jerusalem raised the Cross in this Church, on the site where it was discovered, within a cavity carved behind the rock of Calvary. Upon looking at the Cross, the crowd cried “Kyrie eleison”, Lord have mercy, which is sang to this day during the ceremony of the Elevation of the Cross to the four cardinal directions. The feast began on the afternoon of Monday by reading the Ninth Hour at the Monastic Church of Sts Constantine and Helen.

Immediately afterwards, the Patriarchal Entourage, led by Patriarch Theophilos, walked to the Church of the Resurrection.

There, at the Holy Apokathelosis, they were welcomed by the priests, holding the Gospel and an icon of the Holy Cross. The Patriarch censed and venerated, followed by the Prelates.

Vespers was then led by His Beatitude as Prelates and members of the Synod walked to Golgotha to venerate, whilst censing was performed along the Holy Shrines of the Church of the Resurrection. Archimandrite Aristovoulos sang with visiting Prelates and Priests of the Church of Greece.

B. On feast-day

On the morning of Tuesday, the 14th/27th of September, the main feast took place.

At first, the Hagiotaphite Entourage walked to the Church of the Resurrection, where His Beatitude Theophilos, head of the celebration, venerated at the Holy Apokathelosis and the Holy Sepulchre before entering the katholikon.

The Patriarch led the divine Liturgy, having as concelebrants Metropolitan Isychios of Kapitolias, Archbishops Theophanes of Gerassa, Aristarchos of Constantina, Methodios of Tabor, Theodosios of Sebaste, Demetrios of Lydda, Makarios of Qatar and Joachim of Zambia, as well as visiting Prelates: Metropolitan Panteleimon of Xanthi, Justinos of New Krini and Kalamaria, Timotheos of Thessaliotida and Fanariofersalla, and Chrysostomos of Eleftheroupolis; also, Hagiotaphite Hieromonks, led by Archimandrite Nektarios, visiting Hieromonks from Greece and other Churches, Hierodeacons Markos, Anastasios and Demetrios. In attendance was the Greek Consul-General, the Ambassador of Romania to Israel, Ms Andrea Pastarnac, and the Romanian Minister of Education. Archimandrite Aristovoulos sang for a great crowd of pilgrims from Greece, Russia and Romania.

On the conclusion of the divine Liturgy, a procession began, followed by the Elevation Ceremony.

The procession moved to the Holy Aedicula and terminated at the cave of the Discovery of the Cross, where the Cross was elevated to the four cardinal points whilst the Patriarch made supplications and the Hieropsalts sang “Kyrie eleison”.

After walking thrice around the Holy Aedicula, the procession rose to the Golgotha, where the Patriarch elevated the Cross again and Prelates venerated.

On the conclusion of the feast, the Entourage returned to the Patriarchate, where His Beatitude addressed attendants in Greek.

The Church of Jerusalem, said the Patriarch, honours the elevation of the Cross on the site where it was discovered, namely the Church of the Resurrection, where the holy sacrament of the Eucharist was panegyrically performed. “The Cross of Christ”, said Patriarch Theophilos, “is the visible and tangible emblem of God’s infinite love and philanthropy. At the same time, the Holy Cross proclaims the victory of the light of Christ’s truth against the devil’s lying, of divine justice against the workers of injustice”.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/b5KK6TYIx2o

httpv://youtu.be/XwAWpoo8vow

On Sunday, the 12^th/25^th of September 2016, the church dedicated to St John Vladimir, who suffered a martyr’s death in 1017, was officially inaugurated. The ceremony coincided with the 1000^th anniversary of the death of St John. The church was constructed upon the inspiration, supervision and care of Metropolitan Amfilohije Radovic of Montenegro.

The Church stands magnificently in the centre of Bar as a testimony to Orthodoxy which has survived in Montenegro in spite of past and present adversities. On the inside, the decoration of the church as well as the building materials are indeed remarkable, as the praying faithful exclaim “akin to a brightly-lit sky, the Church illuminates all the pious as we cry to the Lord, make this house solid”.

In attendance at the ceremony were representatives of all Orthodox Churches. The Churches of Jerusalem, Serbia and Albania participated with their Heads, Patriarch Theophilos, Patriarch Irinej and Archbishop Anastasios.

The divine Liturgy was led by Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, having as concelebrants Patriarch Irinej and Archbishop Anastasios, as well as representatives of other Churches. Representatives of the State of Montenegro and of other Christian doctrines also attended the ceremony, together with a crowd of faithful. A Byzantine and European choir accompanied the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, after the Lord’s Last Supper, Crucifixion and Resurrection for our salvation and for the glory of the Triadic God.

The panegyric speech was delivered by Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem.

The martyr St John Vladimir, said His Beatitude, “has led us all here in this Pan-Orthodox Gathering in order to celebrate the 1000^th anniversary of his martyrdom for the love of Christ. Let us now all confess “the testimony God has given about his Son. And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5, 10-15).

It is this precise testimony “whoever has the Son has life” that was preached by John the Forerunner in the spiritual deserts of Montenegro, Dyrrachium and Albania during his earthly life, but also during his transition to the eternal residence in heaven, as taught by Paul: “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not”. (2 Corinthians 5, 1).

“The holy martyric and royal/hegemonic personality of the holy martyr Jon Vladimir stands out today, 1000 years after his death, as a living example to be emulated”, added Patriarch Theophilos.

After His address, the Patriarch offered an icon of Theotokos Jerusalemite to H.B. Patriarch Irinej of Serbia and the Most Reverend Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro.

On the conclusion of mass, Patriarchs, Prelates and Priests exited the Church amidst joyful cheers by the crowd of the faithful.

Lunch, hosted by Metropolitan Amfilohije, was served in an open-air space.

There Patriarch Theophilos addressed guests in English the following link https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/?p=26914.

On the conclusion of this both tangible and spiritual banquet, His Beatitude and Entourage, accompanied by the Assistant Bishop of the Metropolitan of Montenegro, the Most Reverend Bishop Ioannikios, left for Tivat, Montenegro, by car.

From there, Patriarch Theophilos left for Belgrade, where He was welcomed by Patriarch Irinej of Serbia, in the presence of Prelates, Priests and several faithful. Doxology followed, led by Patriarch Theophilos, in the newly-built magnificent church of St Savva the Serbian.

After meal, the Patriarch left for Belgrade Airport. From there, boarding a Serbian Airlines flight, He flew to Tel Aviv on Monday. From the airport, He arrived in Jerusalem by car, in order to participate in the feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross.

From the Secretariat-General

On Friday, the 10^th/23^rd of September 2016, His Beatitude the Patriarch of Jerusalem began His visit to Serbia-Montenegro, accompanied by the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Archbishop Makarios of Qatar and Archdeacon Markos, departing from Ben Gurion airport via El Al airlines.

The Patriarch responded to the invitation of H.B. Patriarch Irinej of Serbia and Metropolitan Amfilohije Radovic of Montenegro to participate in the Inter-Orthodox celebrations on the 1000^th anniversary from the martyr’s death by decapitation, in 1016, of St John Vladimir, ruler of Zeta and Duklja, honoured by the Orthodox for his many miracles. Dedicated to his memory, a church has recently been inaugurated in the city of Bar, Montenegro.

Patriarch Theophilos landed in Belgrade at 11.45 am of Friday the 10^th/23^rd of September 2016. From there He boarded an internal flight for the city of Tivat, where He was warmly welcomed by Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro. From the airport, after one hour’s drive through picturesque verdant and seaside landscapes, they reached the Monastery of the Nativity of Theotokos in Cetinja, See of the Holy Metropolis of Montenegro.

There, His Beatitude was warmly welcomed in indescribable joy by priests in sacerdotal vestments, nuns and the faithful, mostly mothers with their children, eager to receive the Patriarch’s blessings.

Putting on a mantle, His Beatitude then entered the ancient chapel of the Nativity of Theotokos, venerated the relic of the hand of John the Baptist and the relic of the body of Hosios Peter of Serbia and was then hailed by Metropolitan Amfilohije as the first Patriarch, successor of St James the Brother of God, Who has brought the grace of the Holy Sepulchre to the Metropolis of Montenegro and the entire Church of Serbia.

In replying, His Beatitude said He is not the first Patriarch to visit Montenegro, the first being John the Forerunner, hailing from the desert of the river Jordan, still present amongst us by means of His holy relic.

After brief repose, His Beatitude was welcomed to the Church of the Resurrection, restored two years ago, a large construction with fine marble on the columns and floor, imitating the Church of the Resurrection in Jerusalem, and the Beautiful Gate of the Bema in the entrance to the Aedicula of the Holy Sepulchre, to remind the faithful of their ancient faith, as remarked by Metropolitan Amfilohije .

The Byzantine decoration of the Church depicts the triumphant Church, living on earth.

Addressing the Metropolitan and guests, Patriarch Theophilos said that His visit continues the very ancient tradition connecting the Mother of Churches, namely the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, to the Patriarchate of Serbia and the exchange of pilgrimages between the two.

“We carry with Us the grace of the Holy Lands”, said the Patriarch, “to comfort, strengthen and heal the country and Church of Serbia from the damages, attritions and destruction brought upon it by this century’s dark forces”.

On the conclusion of the Patriarch’s address, countless faithful rushed to receive His blessings with faith, respect, joy and exultation.

The Patriarch spent the night at the Holy Trinity Monastery in Ostrog.

In the morning, accompanied by Metropolitan Amfilohije, the Patriarch walked to the rock-strewn chapel of the Presentation of Theotokos to the Temple, wherein the relics of the Serbian Hosios Basil of Ostrog is kept. To this day, both Christians and heterodox ask for his wondrous mediation.

From there, His Beatitude walked to a recently-built chapel to venerate the relics of Neomartyr Stanko the Serbian and of the leaders of Montenegro, executed in 1945 by the Bolsheviks for protecting the holy relic of Hosios Basil.

During lunch, the Monks of St Basil Monastery offered His Beatitude an embroidered icon of Theotokos and St Basil, as well as 10.000 euro for the restoration works on the Aedicula of the Holy Sepulchre.

Then, Patriarch Theophilos visited the Zdrebaonic Monastery where the relic of Hosios Arsenius of Serbia, Second Archbishop of the Church of Serbia, are kept.

There, His Beatitude was warmly welcomed by nuns and the faithful before being courteously hosted to a reception.

The Patriarch went on to visit the Chapel of St Nikolas Vranjina, a dependency of the Holy Sepulchre.

From there, He boarded a boat and sailed to Vizpazar, a small port and seaside settlement.

There, His Beatitude and Entourage met with Patriarch Irinej of Serbia and Prelatic and Hieratic Representatives of the Orthodox Churches meant to attend the church inauguration the next day. After lunch, Patriarch Theophilos was driven to Bar, Montenegro, where, in the evening, He attended a traditional music event dedicated to the 1000^th anniversary of the death of St John Vladimir.

The day closed with an official dinner hosted at the hotel by Metropolitan Amfilohije.

From the Secretariat-General

On the morning of Wednesday, the 7^th/20^th of September 2016, Ms Lena Karrer visited the Patriarchate.

Ms Karrer is the daughter of the late Lukas Karrer, Mayor of the island of Zakynthos during World War II. Mayor Karrer, in collaboration with the ever-memorable Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Zakynthos, helped 275 members of the Jewish Community of Zakynthos flee to the countryside, giving the Nazis a list of merely two names – of himself and the Metropolitan – which led to the saving of the island’s entire Jewish Community. In 1978, the “Yad Vashem” Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Authority honoured the late Mayor Lukas Karrer and Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Zakynthos with the “Righteous Among the Nations” title.

Ms Lena Karrer, accompanied by Ms Ruth Zakh, representative of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was welcomed by H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem. The Patriarch expressed His appreciation of the Mayor and the Metropolitan, whilst Ms Karrer extended her gratitude to the Greek State and Church for the rescue of the Jewish Community of Zakynthos through the heroism of these two distinguished men.

During the meeting, His Beatitude offered Ms Karrer a crucifix and icon of Theotokos Jerusalemite and of the Holy Sepulchre, and a medal commemorating 2000 years of Christianity. A commemorative medal was also offered to Ms Zakh.

From the Secretariat-General

On Sunday, the 5^th/18^th of September 2016, His Beatitude Theophilos of Jerusalem led the divine Liturgy at St George church of the Rum Orthodox Arabic-speaking Community of the town of Turan, near the Tiberian sea and the city of Kana, numbering approximately 700 members.

The divine Liturgy was performed in memory of St Zacharias the Prophet, father of the Forerunner, and on the occasion of the completion of the Community’s church on behalf of the Patriarchate.

Co-officiating were Metropolitan Kyriakos Nazareth, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Metropolitan Joachim of former Zambia, Hagiotaphite Hieromonks, the head of the Community, f. Spyridon, and Hierodeacon Markos acting as Archdeacon. The Nazareth and Turan Choirs sang for the Orthodox faithful attending in piety and joy.

To enhance their Christian Orthodox feelings, His Beatitude preached the word of God during Communion, saying that Christ is the head of the body of the Church for we are “members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones” [Ephesians 5, 30] according to the Apostle Paul. “This”, the Patriarch said, “means that the restoration of this church pertains essentially to the restoration of the body of each and every one of us, according to Paul: Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple. (1 Corinthians 3, 16-17). It is precisely this temple of God that the devil hates and wants to destroy, prowling around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (1 Peter 5, 8-9)”.

On the conclusion of the divine Liturgy, His Beatitude distributed Jerusalemite blessings among the faithful.

The service was followed by a small reception in the events hall, then lunch hosted by the Community Council, during which the Patriarch addressed attendants in Greek.

“The annunciation of Christ’s love and justice, as well as peace and reconciliation, and respect to every human being beyond discriminations constitutes the essential purpose of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem”, the Patriarch said, adding: “The dispersed presence of Christian Communities, either large or small in numbers, provides tangible and visible testament to the centuries-long existence of local or indigenous Christians, both in the Holy Land and in the wider region of the suffering Middle East”.

The Rum Orthodox Patriarchate is the one that guarantees the Christians’ identity and stay in their ancestral homes, His Beatitude said, which “was clearly demonstrated during the recent meeting of the General Assembly of the Middle East Council of Churches in Amman, Jordan”.

In closing, Patriarch Theophilos thanked the Very Reverend Archimandrite Timotheos, for tirelessly and with self-sacrifice serving the Christian Community in Turan, as well as to all those having worked for the completion of the restoration works, especially Archimandrite Hilarion, hegumen at the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour on Mount Tabor, and the contractor, Mr Nander Nassar. He then offered an icon of Theotokos to the Community and hieratic vestments for f. Spyridon.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/9aPDLTjx6_8

httpv://youtu.be/wFSYv-OyKAI

On the morning of Monday, the 30^th of August/12^th of September 2016, the new school year 2016-2017 was launched with a blessing-of-the-water rite at the Patriarchal Hieratical School on the Hill of St Sion. The rite was performed by H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, in the presence of the Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem, Mr Christos Sofianopoulos, the President of the School Board, His Eminence Isidoros of Hierapolis, the Elder Secretary General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Metropolitan Joachim of Zambia,  Hegumen Constantinos of Hozeva Monastery, Principal N. Souliotis, teachers and students.

At the ceremony, Patriarch Theophilos advised students to be diligent during the new school year and cultivate the Christian ethos in preparation of their participation in the Hagiotaphite Brotherhood.

In his address, the Greek Consul-General, Mr C. Sofianopoulos, said that significant national work is performed at the Patriarchal School of Sion, as children are taught the Greek education by means of an especially valuable educational process that promotes the unity of knowledge and faith. “The Greek and ecclesiastical education acquired here”, said Mr Sofianopoulos, “is closely linked to the future of our Patriarchate, for which it constitutes a supreme asset, whilst being a valuable skill for each student, enabling them to tackle, in the best possible way, the many and great contemporary challenges”. In closing, the Greek Consul-General pledged support on behalf of the Consulate, in order for the School to carry on achieving its elevated purpose.

The ceremony was followed by reception at the School Office, hosted by the Principal, Mr N. Souliotis.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/OuHiajrcVqk

On Thursday, the 26^th of August/8^th of September 2016, the 11^th General Assembly of the MECC approved the appointment of new officials to serve on behalf of each Family.

The proposals of the Orthodox Family, approved and ratified by the General Assembly, are as follows:

His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch is appointed President of the Orthodox Families, with Bishop Constantinos of Chrysoupolis and Dr Michel Abs as members of the Executive Committee at the MECC.

The Patriarchate of Alexandria is represented by His Beatitude Theodore, Patriarch and Pope of Alexandria as President of the Delegation of the Patriarchate of Alexandria at the MECC, with Metropolitans Nikolaos of Ermoupolis and Narcissus of Accra as members of the Executive Committee at the MECC.

Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem is appointed President of the Delegation of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, with Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina as member. Archbishop Philoumenos of Pella and the Director of the Patriarchate’s Office in Amman, Miss Wafa Goussous, are appointed members of the Executive Committee.

Archbishop Chrysostomos heads the Delegation of the Church of Cyprus, with Presbyter Ioannis Nicolaou as member and Michael Spyrou as Assistant General Secretary.

On the morning of the aforementioned day, the Moderator of the competent Committee read the message of the General Assembly, which was then commented upon, modified and approved. Along general lines, the message holds that the Middle East and specifically the Holy Land is the birthplace of Christianity and the site where the Church was founded to mark the beginning of its historical, salvaging course.

As the cradle of Christianity, it must be inhabited by Christians, aided by their respective States and protected by persecutions, still witnessed to this day. Residing their homelands, Christians can be useful to their countries, brave patriots, cultivating the dialogue for reconciliation and peace with their Muslim countrymen, serving as a bridge in the political dialogue between Israel and Palestine. Christians enjoy the special protection of the King of Jordan, the country that has undertaken to safeguard the religious status quo in Jerusalem – especially of the Church of Resurrection as a Christian site of veneration and Umar’s Mosque as a Muslim one.

Thanks are extended to the King of Jordan, along with wishes to Muslims for the Eid-Il-Adha feast.

The Message calls for an end to the plight of financial refugees, and for the humanitarian treatment of refugees; likewise, Turkey is called upon to remove the negative results of its invasion to Cyprus.

The elected Presidents of the MECC Families are: Metropolitan Mar Theophilos George Saliba for the Pre-Chalcedonian Family; Patriarch John of Antioch for the Orthodox Family; Right Rev. Dr Habib Badr for the Evangelical Family; and Mar Raphael Luis Sako for the Latin Family. Dr Michel Jalakh was reelected unanimously General Secretary.

Fr. Jalakh went on to thank the Assembly and asked for their prayers and support in the next four years, so that the MECC can fulfill its mission for peace, justice and protection of the Christian Communities in the Middle East.

The approved Message can be reached here: www.mecc.org and contains references on the genocides of the Armenians, the Chaldeans, Pontic Greeks and other peoples by Turkey in 1915, as well as on the abduction of Syrian Primates, with an appeal for their liberation. An appeal was also made for the resolution of the Cyprus problem and the unification of the island of Cyprus.

As a token of appreciation for their services, the four thus far Presidents of the MECC have been recognized as Honorary Presidents.

The General Assembly offered Patriarch Theophilos a fine icon of the Holy Cross. Smaller icons were offered to all members of the Assembly.

From the Secretariat-General

From Tuesday the 24^th of August/6^th of September 2016 to Thursday the 26^th of August/8^th of September 2016, the Convention of the 11^th General Assembly of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) takes place in Amman, Jordan, at the Royal Hotel, under the protection of His Majesty Abdullah II King of Jordan. The Assembly is hosted by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

In attendance at the meeting were all members of the MECC, namely:

1. The Orthodox Family, comprised of the Patriarchates of Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem and the Holy Archbishopric of Cyprus;
2. The Pre-Chalcedonian Family, comprised of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Cilicia, the Coptic Orthodox Church of St Mark, Alexandria, and the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch;
3. The Evangelical Family, comprised of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, the Coptic Evangelical Church (Synod of the Nile), the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East, the National Evangelical Church in Syria and Lebanon, the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Church in the Near East, the National Evangelical Church of Lebanon, the National Evangelical Church of Kuwait;
4. The Catholic Family, comprised of the Syrian Catholic Church of Antioch, the Maronite Syrian Church of Antioch, the Melkite (Greek) Catholic Church of Antioch, Alexandria and Jerusalem, the Chaldean Catholic Church and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

The General Assembly was so far headed by His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, as Chairman of the Orthodox Family;  the Armenian Catholic Patriarch Aram of Cilicia for the Pre-Chalcedonian Church; Lutheran Bishop Munib Younan for the Evangelical Family; and Patriarch Ignatius Youssef of Antioch and All the East for the Catholic Family. Maronite Fr. Michel Jalakh serves as General Secretary of the MECC.

Each Orthodox Church was represented by its Head, namely: Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria, Patriarch John of Antioch, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem and Archbishop Chrysostomos of Cyprus.

The deliberations of the General Assembly began on Tuesday the 24^th of August/6^th of September 2016.

Following a prayer allowed in such meetings, and the National Anthem of Jordan, His Beatitude Theophilos addressed participants in English, see link: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2016/09/06/26263

Addresses were also delivered by the other three Chairmen of the MECC, namely Patriarch Aram of Cilicia, Patriarch Ignatius Youssef of the Roman Catholic Church and Bishop Munib Younan of the Lutheran Church.

Other heads of Churches also took the podium, e.g. the Patriarch of Alexandria, the Archbishop of Cyprus and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew – the latter’s speech delivered by Metropolitan Benedictus of Philadelphia.

On the conclusion of the opening ceremony, deliberations began, regarding administrative issues, the assignment of roles, the setting up of Committees e.g. the Representation Committee for a four-year tenure, the Nomination Committee, Committee of Finances, Mass Media Committee etc.

The report of the MECC General Secretary, Fr. Michel Jalakh took the stage at the event and may be reached here: www.mecc.org

Along general lines, the report covered the current situation of the MECC, one of administrative and structural healing with the support of the Churches of the aforementioned Families towards repayment of debts, the conclusion of trials running against it, restoration of the donors’ trust, creation of a new website (www.mecc.org), the continuation of the dialogue between Christianity and Islam, and humanitarian help to Syrian refugees by means of the collaboration between the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Church of Cyprus, with the help of the Patriarchate’s Office in Amman, directed by Miss Wafa Goussous – who has hosted eight out of eleven meetings of the MECC Central Committee and General Assemblies.

Fr Jalakh extended his gratitude to all four Chairmen, as well as the King of Jordan, pointing out that the MECC remains the valid institution for the voice of Christians in the Middle East and their protection against manifestations of violence in the region and elsewhere, and towards reconciliation, peace and justice.

During the second session of deliberations, remarks, both positive and negative ones, were expressed in relation to the report, followed by addresses of partners and financial supporters.

The first day of deliberations closed with dinner hosted by Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, having Prince Emir Ghazi as a guest. His Beatitude’s address, in English, may be reached here: http://www.jp-newsgate.et/en/2016/09/06/26265

From the Secretariat-General

6^th of September 2016

Your Royal Highness,

Your Holiness,

Your Beatitudes,

Your Eminences,

Your Graces,

Distinguished Delegates to this Assembly, Sisters and Brothers,

As we gather for this luncheon, we experience the truth of the words of the Psalmist:

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

(Ps.132 <133>: 1)

It is our honor and pleasure to welcome you to this blessed gathering here in Amman, which is a crossroads of the historic religious cultures that have formed and nurtured our common home in the Middle East for millennia. Here the monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, as well as others, have dwelt together for so long.

We wish to welcome especially to this luncheon His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi. We thank you, Your Highness, for all that you have done and continue to do, in the crucial work of dialogue and reconciliation, and your presence with us is a tangible reminder that we are not alone.

It is also for us a special privilege to be in the midst of such highly respected Church leaders, as well as consummate diplomats.

We are thankful to Almighty God that in the midst of the turmoil that rocks our region we have managed to gather here to send a message to the world that we are determined to remain and to flourish in the land of our forebears. They established the foundations of our present civilization, and articulated and lived its values, and we are an affirmation of the undeniable reality of Ex Oriente Lux – that the Light comes from the East to a world wrapped in darkness and despair.

This gathering is a sign of hope that, even in the face of all the threats to our region and our peoples, there is the capacity to restore peace, co-existence and Justice among our various ethnic and religious communities. The monstrous inhumanity that we see every day has helped us to see once again what we are always trying to tell the world, that we all share a common humanity and a common destiny. And we know that we are not the masters of history or creation, but rather servants.

With this reflection we would like to propose a toast to the success of our Assembly. We pray fervently to our Lord to enlighten our minds, so that we may walk in the steps of His commandments that lead to life.

Thank you.

His Beatitude

THEOPHILOS III

Patriarch of Jerusalem