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THE THIRD STASIS OF THE SALUTATIONS AT THE PATRIARCHATE

On the evening of Friday, the 28th of February/13th of March 2015, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, accompanied by the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Archimandrite Stephanos, Hegoumen at St Catherine Monastery, Archdeacon Evlogios, Deacon Markos and f. Ioustinos, Hegoumen at Jacob’s Well, visited the Rum Orthodox Community of Raffidia in the city of Nablus, Samaria. There, He was welcomed by Protosyncellus Leontios and the Community Council. Upon His arrival, the Patriarch led the Third Stasis of the Salutations and the Canon of the Akathist Hymn at the newly-constructed Church of the Annunciation of Theotokos.

Before the apolysis of the service, His Beatitude spoke to the congregation in Greek.

In Arabic, the homily may be read here: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2015/03/12/10942

On the conclusion of mass, the Hegoumen and the Community hosted the Patriarch and the flock to a meatless reception at the Events Hall which is adjacent to the Church.

During the reception, a discussion took place on issues pertaining to the Community, aimed at receiving His Beatitude’s advice and guidance.

In the framework of this visit, the Patriarch allowed Protosyncellus Leontios to wear a cross during the exercise of his pastoral diaconate as Hegoumen of the Community of Raffidia.

The Akathist Hymn and Third Stasis of the Salutations were also performed at the Church of the Resurrection, led by Metropolitan Isychios of Kapitolias, with co-officiating Hagiotaphite Fathers.

The service was broadcast live on the Patriarchate’s Radio Station.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/HzfKEMcp1YE

httpv://youtu.be/Ofjl74wH5po




HIS BEATITUDE PATRIARCH THEOPHILOS III ADDRESS TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE GHAZI – JORDAN FEBRUARY 2015.

High Level Meeting at the Dead Sea, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

 

8-9 February, 2015

 

The hand of evil has stretched to Jordan and its neighbors this week, spreading violence and ignorance to a region striving to counter extremism with moderation and coexistence. The people of the Middle East, not in spite of, but because of their shared Abrahamic values, are unified in celebrating the sanctity of life. Our common religious foundations are built on the right of our Creator alone to bring about life. We strongly condemn such ugly, inhumane acts as they betray the keystone of our shared faiths: love. It is categorically incorrect to claim violence and killing as part of a God-inspired campaign. Carrying out such horrors in the name of religion is a crime against the Creator as well as against all humankind.

In Ephesians 6:11, Paul directs his audience to prepare for a battle, to “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Paul’s words echo through the centuries to meet us at a time when we are threatened by a force of evil far removed from the goodness of God’s creation. Paul would advise us to take the same stand today, against terrorist groups whose ambitions to rule through death and destruction are none other than evil incarnate. These fighters, masquerading as Muslims, seek not to exalt the name of the Creator but to corrupt a religion of balance and peace. We know this from the scriptures of our Muslim brethren and from the leadership of King Abdullah II himself, who described this group as criminal and misguided; a band of brutal men who have nothing to do with the great faith of Islam. We join in denouncing the violence and oppression manifested by terrorists who have hijacked Islam to their own gain. We stand here today to proclaim that these acts of hatred are carried out neither in the name of the Creator, nor in the name of religion.

The language of the verse from the Epistle to the Ephesians provides a martial image of troops preparing for battle. The troops of Paul’s vision were legions of those striving to live faithfully, united in their commitment to dismantle corruption of God’s creation. What, then, is this ‘armor of God,’ which Paul invites us to wear? The armor is none other than God’s commandment to us to seek justice, and love and kindness, and walk humbly with our Lord. Our counter-terrorism mission should be informed by our God-given directions to spread neither hatred nor violence, but to counter evil with a resolute gospel of moderation and harmony.

We do not stand here today to defend religion. The spermatic Divine Logos, i.e. the truths of our faith, can be found in the holy texts of all Abrahamic religions. Instead, we are here to refuse the claim that any terrorism can be led by God and that the Creator calls us to violence. We dress ourselves in the armor of peace and inclusiveness against the forces of evil at work in the world today, with the same assurance that the love of the Creator will guide us through these times of turmoil.

We suggest some practical steps to target and educate today’s young generation of men and women so that we fight radicalization, which is fueling these things that are alien to our region and have nothing to do with the Islamic faith.

We have to especially target the social and media outlets, which have the power to perpetuate or magnify messages.

We would like to end by expressing our utmost thanks to His Majesty the King for this generous and cordial hosting, and not in the least His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi for his dedicated and continuous efforts in promoting interfaith harmony and building the much-needed bridges of communication.

 

HIS BEATITUDE

THEOPHILOS III

PATRIARCH OF JERUSALEM




HIS BEATITUDE ADDRESS AT THE ANNUAL NEW YEAR RECEPTION FOR THE MUNICIPALITY OF JERUSALEM, HOSTED BY THE MAYOR OF JERUSALEM.

28 January 2015

Mr Mayor,
Distinguished Members of the Municipal Government,
Your Eminences,
Your Graces,
Respected Leaders of our Civic organizations,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

We greet you, Mr. Mayor, and the leaders of our Municipality, in this joyous season of light at the beginning of the New Year, and in this season of light we recall that light was the first element of creation:

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while the Spirit of God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light;” and there was light.”

(Gen. 1:1-3)

The light of creation is a reflection to us of the uncreated light that shines from God himself. This is the great light that we celebrate during this festive season, the light that shines from God into the hearts of all people of good will. As the faithful of the Abrahamic traditions in this Holy City and in our Holy Land, we know of the power of the uncreated light to illumine the darkness of the human soul and the darkness of a world torn by prejudice, violence, war, and persecution.

As those who live in and love this Holy City of Jerusalem, ours is a special responsibility. At the centre of the life of Jerusalem is our long tradition of co-existence, and the truth that the identity of Jerusalem is founded not on one tradition or religious group alone. The integrity of Jerusalem, both historically and religiously, depends on the well-being of Jew, Christian, and Muslim here in our midst. Jerusalem is home to all, and depends on all.

As we enter this New Year, we who are the Heads of the Christian Churches of the Holy Land make crystal clear again our opposition to all forms of violence, persecution, and acts of terror, especially those that occur in our region. Lasting peace and reconciliation are never achieved by such means, and it is the responsibility of both our civic and religious leadership not simply to condemn violence, but to show a different way forward to peace.

In our efforts to build a society based on mutual respect, peace, reconciliation and justice, we have come to know the power of dialogue. Dialogue does not ignore difficulty; it faces difficulty squarely, but respectfully. Dialogue does not mean that we must relinquish our values; it enables us to see the values that the other is trying to uphold. Dialogue reveals pathways that we had not yet previously understood to exist.

It is no accident that historic meetings of reconciliation are held in Jerusalem. For Jerusalem has the power to gather and unite the human family, even across historic divisions. Our responsibility as civic and religious leaders here is to ensure that nothing diminishes or stands in the way of the God-given power of Jerusalem to be a home for all.

As we know, the Status Quo is an essential part of the fabric that ensures the true nature of Jerusalem as a home for all, and it is our duty to ensure that the rights and privileges of all are safe-guarded as we are faithful to the expectations that the existing Status Quo lays upon us. The civil authority has a special role here, particularly in guaranteeing freedom of access to the faithful and to pilgrims to the Holy Places, not least at the time of the Great Feasts.

We appreciate the difficulties of seeing to the safety of large numbers of people, and we are grateful to you especially, Mr. Mayor, for the personal attention that you have given to us and to the Christian community in this very area. But we also urge the Municipality to be assiduous in finding new and better ways to maintain freedom of movement in the Old City and in our neighborhoods.

The Heads of the Christian Churches continue to pledge ourselves to our commitment to support all who have the care of Jerusalem. In spite of our own historic cultural identities, we are united in our love of and our diakonia– that is, our service – to this Holy City. As we join with you, Mr. Mayor, to welcome the New Year, we welcome the season of light with a renewed commitment to the vocation of Jerusalem to shine as a beacon to the whole world.

We wish you, Mr. Mayor and our respected leaders of this Municipality, every success in your work on behalf of all. May God bless the Holy City of Jerusalem, all who live here, and all who come here as pilgrims for spiritual nurture and refreshment.

Happy New Year! Hag sammeach!

Thank you.

 

His Beatitude
THEOPHILOS III
Patriarch of Jerusalem




MEETING OF THE M.E.C.C. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

On the 9th and 10th/22nd and 23rd 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 10th/23rd of January, at noon. The relevant press release will be posted here in due time.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/ZLYyCQNOVQY




HIS BEATITUDE ADDRESS TO M.E.C.C. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING IN HOTEL MARRIOT- DEAD SEA.

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

 




THE FEAST OF THE HOLY MONASTERY OF HOZEVA

On Wednesday, the 8th/21st 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 5th c. AD, St John arrived here from his bishopric in Caesarea, Palestine, whereas St George came from Cyprus in the 7th 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




PATRIARCH OF JERUSALEM VISITS ARMENIANS ON THE OCCASION OF THE ARMENIAN FEAST OF CHRISTMAS

On Wednesday, the 8th/21st 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




HIS BEATITUDE GREETINGS TO THE ARMENIAN COMMUNITY ON THE OCCASION OF THE ARMENIAN FEAST OF THE NATIVITY.

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




THEOPHANY EVE AT THE PATRIARCHATE

On Sunday, the 5th/18th 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




VISITS TO THE PATRIARCHATE ON THE OCCASION OF CHRISTMAS

On Friday, the 27th of December/9th 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