On the morning of Monday, the 16^th/29^th of August 2016, His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, accompanied by the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, the Elder Sacristan, Archbishop Isidoros of Hierapolis, the Master-of-Ceremonies, Archimandrite Bartholomew, and other Hagiotaphite Fathers, walked the stairs of St James the Brother of God and, guided by Professors Moropoulou and Mouzakis, and the architect of the Church of the Resurrection, Theodosios Mitropoulos, went on to inspect the progress of restoration works on the Aedicula inside the Holy Sepulchre, around the Aedicula and in the gallery of the Franciscans to the northwest of the Rotunda, wherein detached marble pieces and rocks are kept for conservation.

His Beatitude expressed joy on the continuation of this complex and multifaceted work. He then informed the Custos of the Holy Land, fr Francesco, and his attendants, fathers Dragomir and Serge, and Architect Usami on the restoration works.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/1YZe9ifWHEY

At noon of Sunday, the 11^th/24^th of July 2016, the inauguration ceremony of the Patriarchate’s housing settlement in Beit Jala, near Bethlehem, took place.

The settlement was founded following a Synodic decision and based on an agreement with a specific company for the construction of residences available to the poor and newlyweds at a low price.

The entire project represents the Patriarchate’s contribution to members of its flock towards the resolution of the housing problem.

Patriarch Theophilos visited the site, accompanied by Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Archimandrite Mathew, f. Issa Mousleh and Professor A. Moropoulou of the NTUA.

During the ceremony, the Patriarch laid the foundation stone.

The event continued at the Orthodox Society of the town of Nanta Orthodox.

There, Vice-Mayor William Saer addressed guests, as well as the Chairman of the Committee on Christian Affairs of the Palestinian Autonomy, Mr Hanna Amire, and Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah.

The speakers underlined the significance of the project for decent and inexpensive housing of the locals, pointing out the Patriarchate’s contribution to this end.

The Patriarch’s address was delivered in Arabic by f. Issa Mousleh:

https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/

The president of the project, Mr Abu Abarra, bestowed medals on His Beatitude, Mr Amire and the Chairman, hosting guests to lunch.

From the Secretariat-General

Before noon on Thursday, the 8^th/21^st of July 2016, a presentation was made of the ongoing restoration works on the Aedicula of the Holy Sepulchre, in accordance with a study conducted by the Interdisciplinary Team of the National Technical University of Athens.

The presentation was made by Professor Antonia Moropoulou for the members of the Steering Committee in the presence of H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, the Custodian of the Holy Land, f. Francesco, and his attendants, fathers Makora and Sergios, and the representatives of the Armenian Patriarchate in Jerusalem, fathers Samuel and Curion. To the members of the Committee and the Representatives of the three Major Communities, Ms Moropoulou presented on screen all the aspects of the work completed so far as well as the scheduled restoration works based on the designated scientific methods and compatible restoration materials.

Of special interest was the presentation of the findings revealed by the removal of marble stones as well as the tackling of problems pointed out through scientific documentation and appraisal on behalf of the NTUA’s Interdisciplinary Team.

In the second part of the presentation, the project’s manager, Mr Nikolaos Moropoulos, set out the donations made so far towards covering the restoration’s cost, and the sum required for the completion of works, scheduled to take place during Easter 2017. On the conclusion of the presentation, His Beatitude, accompanied by the Custodian and his attendants, and the Armenian Patriarchate’s representatives, convened at the Project Owners Committee, where He addressed participants in English, see link: http://www/jp-newsgate.net/en/2016/07/21/25285

To see the complete presentation of restoration works on the Aedicula of the Holy Sepulchre, please press here.

With the blessings and unanimity of the three Christian Communities, the project carries on.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/XJ-U5ApfXiI

Responding to a request of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, set forth by His Beatitude Theophilos, and of the National Technical University of Athens, set forth by Professor Antonia Moropoulou, Aegean Airlines has offered to support the project of protection, conservation and restoration of the Aedicula of the Holy Sepulchre. The aviation company has decided to provide monthly a total of 50 return tickets for the Athens-Tel Aviv flight, Economy class, during the course of 2016 and the beginning of 2017, so as to meet the needs of the NTUA’s interdisciplinary team and of specialized personnel, namely: restorers, conservators, and skilled workers involved in the “Conservation and Restoration of the Aedicula of the Holy Sepulchre” project. The tickets will also cover the needs of teaching personnel and graduate students in the framework of an educational visit of the NTUA’s Interdepartmental Graduate Programme on the “Protection of Monuments”.

The Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the NTUC would like to thank Aegean Airlines for their support and extend wishes for safe flights.

From the Secretariat-General

On the 20^th of March 2016, Mr Stathis Vasilopoulos published in “Dimokratia” newspaper an article on the study conducted by an Interdisciplinary Team from the NTUA, coordinated by Professor Antonia Moropoulou.

The article was titled “Salvaging restoration of the Holy Sepulchre by the Metsovion!” followed by the subtitle “The four-member group given the “green light” by Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem will complete the project by 2017 and signed by Stathis Vasilopoulos.

The project is described as a landmark in the architectural and veneration history of the Church of the Resurrection, as the National Technical University of Athens has been called upon to undertake the restoration of the Aedicula of the Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus beat death and opened the gates to eternal life. “The salvation of the Holy Sepulchre” the writer says, “a monument of global status and pole of attraction for millions of faithful across the world, rests upon a four-member team of the NTUC, led by Professor Moropoulou of the School of Chemical Engineers”.

The writer goes on to add that the study was grounded on the triptych “documentation-diagnosis-proposal”, after the scientific group had carefully examined structural damages and decided on the necessary interventions for conservation and enhancement. Of note is the fact, says the writer, that the operation of the Holy Sepulchre had not been interrupted during the course of the study.

In a statement she gave to “Dimokratia”, Ms Moropoulou said: “A great honour but also a blessing was the fact that the Patriarch of Jerusalem, in agreement with the Christian communities jointly managing the Holy Sepulchre, has entrusted us with such an important world monument that brings together different peoples, different religions and different cultures”.

In March 2015, scientists from Israel proposed to intervene, asking that the Aedicula be closed to the faithful. “Then”, Professor Moropoulou adds, “I travelled to Jerusalem right away and explained to the competent persons that there was no immediate risk that would impose interruption of the veneration, given that we would immediately submit our proposal for the necessary interventions”. Conservation and restoration works are scheduled to begin next week, a few days before the Catholic Easter, celebrated on the 27^th of March.

Mass interventions will take place after the 1^st of May, barring any delays in the financing of the project. More than 25 professors from five different Schools and seven laboratories of the NTUA will be engaged in the restoration works, aiming to complete the project by January 2017.

A crane will be used for the execution of the project, whilst the structural materials will be stored in special boxes and sacks. Around and over the Holy Aedicula, cameras will be installed for the constant documentation of works and finds. With a view to keeping the Holy Sepulchre open to pilgrims throughout the restoration works, the scientists have proposed the construction of a protective roof and permanent fencing. The Bank of Attica has borne the cost for the installation of scaffolding, whilst the National Bank looks at whether the project can be placed within the Crowdfunding fund, and the World Monuments Fund has already expressed an interest in contributing financially to the restoration works.

Reference is also made to the fact that, in its present-day form, the Aedicula of the Holy Sepulchre was erected in 1810 by architect Komninos, whilst the year 1947 saw the last intervention by British scientists with the addition of iron caging as remedy for the monument’s disfiguration.

The article closes with the miracle of the Holy Light that takes place every year on the Holy Saturday when, after lamenting Christ’s crucifixion, the Patriarch steps into the Holy Sepulchre and prays to Jesus for the blessing of the light. It is then that the torches the Patriarch holds become miraculously lit.

The article was published in dimokratianews.gr

From the Secretariat-General

On Tuesday, 9^th/22^nd of March 2016, the feast-day of the Forty Martyrs who had suffered a martyr’s death in Lake Sebaste, Pontus, and the name-day of His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, the scaffold required for the protection, reinforcement and restoration of the Aedicula of the Holy Sepulchre was attached to the structure in accordance with the report conducted by the NTUA’s Scientific Team under the supervision and coordination of professor Antonia Moropoulou.

On the conclusion of the divine Liturgy for the Presanctified Gifts and the Doxology for His Beatitude’s name-day at the katholikon of the Church of the Resurrection, a modest ceremony took place in front of the Aedicula’s southwest wall. The ceremony included the presentation of the scaffold tower by His Beatitude, the Custos of the Holy Land, and the Armenian Patriarch, in the presence of Ms Moropoulou, the Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem, Mr Zacharoudiakis, the Head of Christian Affairs at the Israeli Ministry of Religions, Mr Cesar Margie, and all Hagiotaphite Fathers.

During the ceremony, Patriarch Theophilos addressed guests in English, see: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2016/03/22/21731

and went on to extend warm thanks to ATTICA BANK and in particular its Chairman, Mr Ioannis Gamvrilis, for courteously offering the amount of 50.000 euros for the purchase and installation of the scaffolding.

At the end of the ceremony, the Patriarchal Entourage proceeded to the Patriarchate for the celebrations of His Beatitude’s name-day.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/6IyqC2Jgkkg

On Tuesday, the 24^th of February/8^th of March 2016, the innovative programme of conservation and restoration of the Aedicula of the Holy Sepulchre was presented at the Zappeion Megaron in Athens by the interdisciplinary team of the NTUA, consisting of: the head of the programme, Professor Antonia Moropoulou of the School of Chemical Engineers; the former professor of the School of Architects, Professor M. Korres; Professor A. Georgopoulos of the School of Rural and Surveying Engineering; and Professor K. Spyrakos of the School of Civil Engineering. The presentation was held upon the invitation of Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, the Rector of the NTUA, Mr I. Golias, the President, Mr G. Christou, and the Board of the Olympia and Bequests Committee.

At the presentation of the study, which has been conducted for the first time after 1810 when the Rum Orthodox erected the Aedicula, the Patriarchate was represented by Patriarch Theophilos, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Archbishop Isidoros of Hierapolis, the Holy Sepulchre’s Exarch in Athens, Archimandrite Damianos, other Hagiotaphite Fathers, and Archimandrite Mathaios and Hieromonk Savvas, serving at the Exarchate in Athens. Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and all Greece, Metropolitan Seraphim of Piraeus, Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Messenia – Dean of the University of Athens’ Faculty of Theology – and Metropolitan Pavlos of Glyfada also attended the event.

The state was represented by the Minister of Culture and Sports and emeritus professor of the NTUA, Mr Aristides Baltas, and the Deputy Minister for Culture, Research and Religious Affairs, Mr Constantinos Fotakis. Also in attendance were the President of the Greek House of Representatives, Mr Nikolaos Voutsis; the Minister of State, Mr Alexandros Flambourakis, representing the Greek Prime Minister; the former Rector, Mr Theodoros Fortsakis, representing the Opposition; the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administrative Reform, Mr Panagiotis Kouroumblis; the Deputy Finance Minister, Mr Tryfon Alexiades; the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, Transports and Networks, Ms Marina Chrysoveloni; the President of the Union of Centrists, Mr Vasileios Leventis; the President of the Academy of Athens, Mr Thanasis Valtinos; Ms Aikaterini Paliou, representing the Prefect of Attica; the Jordan Ambassador to Greece, Mr Fawwaz Qasim Al-Eitan, the Ambassador of Israel to Greece, Ms Irit Ben-Abba, the Palestinian Ambassador to Greece, Mr Marwan Emile Toubassi, the Greek Ambassador to Lithuania, Mr Asteriades, Members of the Greek Parliament, the President of the Bank of Attica, Mr Ioannis Gamvrilis, the President of the Technical Chamber of Greece, Mr Stasinos, Rectors, Deputy Rectors, Deans and professors of the National Technical University of Athens, and many others.

The event included four different units, namely: a) Opening Speeches, b) Presentation of the Innovative Programme of Conservation and Restoration of the Aedicula of the Holy Sepulchre in the Church of the Resurrection, c) Remarks and d) Closing.

Patriarch Theophilos addressed attendants in Greek, pointing out that the event consists a landmark in the history of the Church of the Resurrection, and that whilst conducting the restoration study, the interdisciplinary team did its utmost not to prevent freedom of access to thousands of pilgrims visiting the Holy Sepulchre from across the world. The presentation of the Interdisciplinary Study, said His Beatitude, paves the way for the materialization of the assigned project.

In his address, Minister Baltas pointed out that the presence of the leaders of the Christian Communities of the Holy Sepulchre, namely the Custos of the Holy Land of the Franciscans and the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, sets the signal for and a perspective of consultation within the Christian world.

The Rector of the NTUA, Professor Ioannis Golias, underlined that the National Technical University of Athens confirms that social and national contribution consist a significant axis of its mission, hence why it has undertaken the aforementioned innovative research. Mr Golias added that this is an emblematic project pertaining to a leading monument of global influence.

After the Patriarch’s address, Ms Moropoulou and Messrs. Georgopoulos, Korres and Spyrakos presented the “comprehensive study on the documentation and diagnosis of the pathology of the Holy Aedicula and on the proposal for compatible and sustainable materials and interventions for conservation, enhancement and restoration”.

The presentation was followed by comments from the International Scientific Community, i.e. the Representative of the Institute of Geological Research of the Armenian Academy of Science, Mr H. Babayan, Professor G. Tucci of the University of Florence, and representatives of the Christian Communities, His Paternity the Franciscan Custos of the Holy Land, Rev. f. Pierrebattista Pizzaballa, and His Beatitude the Armenian Patriarch in Jerusalem, Nourhan Manougian.

On the conclusion of the event, the Exarchate of the Holy Sepulchre hosted lunch at “Aegli Zappiou”, on behalf of the NTUA’s Rector, Professor Golias.

From the Secretariat-General

On Friday the 8^th/19^th of February 2016, professor Antonia Moropoulou of the National Technical University of Athens presented the study on the conservation of the Aedicula of the Holy Sepulchre that was built by the Orthodox Romans in 1810. The study was conducted under the scientific responsibility of professor Moropoulou and an interdisciplinary team made of Messrs. Korres, Georgopoulos and Spyrakos.

The study was presented to Patriarch Theophilos in the presence of Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Archbishop Isidoros of Hierapolis, other Hagiotaphite Fathers, the Franciscan Custodian in the Holy Land, father Pierre Batista Pizzaballa and f. Sergios, and to the representatives of the Armenian Patriarchate in Jerusalem, Metropolitan Sevan, Hieromonk Asbet Valian and Hieromonk Samuel.

During the presentation, Ms Moropoulou explained that the problems facing the Aedicula call for technical interventions by means of compatible and sustainable materials for the enhancement and restoration of the holy Aedicula in order for it to remain an eternal testament to the Burial and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and a point of reference for Christians across the world.

Ms Moropoulou went on to thank Patriarch Theophilos for assigning this important project to the NTUA. Thanks were also extended to the representatives of the Franciscan Order and the Armenian Patriarchate for harmoniously collaborating with the NTUA for the duration of this innovative research.

Additionally, professor Moropoulou underlined that restoration works must begin at the soonest possible, before the Orthodox Easter, in the context of collaboration between Orthodox, Franciscans and Armenians, whilst respecting the rights of each Community.

The decision-making process, Ms Moropoulou said, must be based on the study conducted by the NTUA, under the supervision of the Interdisciplinary Team that will document and, if need be, readjust the study based on real data and in agreement with the Three Major Religious Communities.

The Heads of the three Major Communities, namely the Orthodox, Franciscans and Armenians, thanked Ms Moropoulou for delivering a thorough report and agreed to sign an agreement for the promotion and execution of this historical project for the praise of Christians and the glory of the Triadic God.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/yQGQCulxZ2U

httpv://youtu.be/2Af5Ju9vgt8

httpv://youtu.be/UZ1bgkyVbUU

On Monday, the 19^th of January/1^st of February 2016, H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, accompanied by the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, and the Exarch of the Holy Sepulchre in Athens, the Most Reverend Archimandrite Damianos, on the initiative and care of distinguished professor Antonia Moropoulou, visited the Zografou Campus.

There, the Patriarch was warmly welcomed by the Rector, Mr Golias, the Deputy Rector, Mr Papantonis, the Dean, Mr Boudouvis, the professors having worked with Ms Moropoulou on the Diagnostic Study on the Condition of the Holy Aedicula of the Holy Sepulchre, Mr Korres, Georgopoulous, Spyrakos, as well as other professors and researchers of the National Technical University of Athens.

In the context of this meeting, His Beatitude explained those honouring Him with their presence the problems pointed out by the study of Ms Moropoulou as regards the Aedicula of the Holy Sepulchre, erected by the Rum Orthodox in 1818, and the need to deal with them by means of compatible material interventions of the highest technical quality, and through conservation, reinforcement and restoration, after the completion of the Diagnostic Study by NTUA specialists. The Holy Sepulchre, said the Patriarch, is the very heart of the Holy Shrines, being the site where our Lord Jesus Christ was buried and from where He resurrected. According to the inscription on the Aedicula, “Dedicated to the Christ of the Rum Orthodox, 1810”, its conservation must remain in the hands of the Patriarchate in constitutional collaboration with the Franciscans and the Armenians.

His Beatitude Theophilos went on to appeal for assistance of the NTUA at the Holy Sepulchre and the Church of the Resurrection where, because of the Lord’s Crucifixion and Resurrection, the eyes of local and international religious and political factors remain turned to this day.

The Honourable Rector and the professors listened carefully to the Patriarch’s suggestions and pledged to respond in the context of “University diplomacy”, with every means at the disposal of the NTUA in terms of scientific personnel, research and study, so that the Holy Sepulchre remain a point of religious and cultural reference amongst the Orthodox and all Christians in the world.

Following this fruitful and hopeful visit, the Patriarch attended the presentation of the “Act4Greece Programme, Crowdfunding Platform” at the Melas Mansion, on the invitation of the Chair of the Board of the National Bank, Ms Louca Katselli, and the Chief Executive, Mr Leonidas Frangiadakis.

The Greek Prime Minister, Mr Alexis Tsipras, Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, Ministers, Members of the Parliament, the Mayor of Athens, Deans, Rectors and other high-ranking state, scientific and social operators also attended the event.

The aim of the event was the presentation of the project titled “Act4Greece, Crowdfunding Platform” that has as strategic partners the National Bank of Greece, the Onassis Foundation, the Latsis Foundation, the Bodosakis Foundation etc.

The representatives of the partners explained that the project was initiated on the conviction that collective collaboration allows the just and transparent humanitarian utilization of significant resources towards helping the most destitute social groups amongst the Greek people.

This vision has borne food rations across several schools in Attica, assistance to the inhabitants of remote islands, scholarships for students in need and care for the ill. The programme aims at the creation of a Digital Archive of the 1821 Greek Revolution, care for the environment, support of unaccompanied children of refugees etc.

The “Doctors without Borders” and the UNESCO are included in the partners of this noble and ambitious humanitarian project.

The Greek Prime Minister honoured the presentation with his presence and, in the presence of Ms Moropoulou, assured the Patriarch of his unwavering personal interest in the conservation and restoration of the Holy Sepulchre.

Addressing the public, Mr Tsipras underlined that the crisis in Greece is not only financial but also social, humanitarian and moral and that it can only be cured through the collaboration of several social forces with the aim of helping those weak and impoverished. Mr Tsipras also said the Greeks of the diaspora, the Church and the Greek society must work together in order for the banks to regain the role they are supposed to have for the consolidation of the banking system. He closed his speech by congratulating all the strategic partners who have contributed to the creation of the programme and made an appeal for collaboration and support of this collective project of social solidarity.

Having met with the Minister of Culture, Mr Aristeidis Baltas, the Chairman of the Bank of Attica, Mr Gavrilis, and ship owner Mr Vernikis, Patriarch Theophilos thanked Ms Katseli for the invitation and left with the wish that contributors to “Act4Greece” will be able to support the restoration project of the Holy Aedicula of the Holy Sepulchre.

From the Secretariat-General

On Wednesday, the 14^th/27th of January, Professor Antonia Moropoulou of the National Technical University of Athens presented the “Comprehensive Programme of Diagnostic Research and Strategic Planning of Materials and Interventions for the Conservation and Restoration of the Holy Aedicula of the All-holy Sepulcher in the Church of the Resurrection”. The presentation took place at the Greek Consulate-General.

This innovative research was conducted by the NTUA as Ms Moropoulou.co-ordinated the Interdisciplinary Team, namely:

Professor A. Georgopoulos, School of Rural and Surveying Engineering, Workshop of Photogrammetry; Professor E. Korres, School of Architects, Head of the Interdepartmental Programme for the preservation of monuments; Professor Moropoulou, School of Chemical Engineers, Director of Studies at the “Materials and Conservation Interventions” Graduate Programme; Professor K. Spyrakos, School of Civil Engineering, Laboratory for Earthquake Technology.

The presentation was made to the Greek Prime Minister, Alexis Tsipras, whilst on a visit to Israel, His Beatitude Theophilos, Metropolitan Kyriakos of Nazareth, Metropolitan Isychios of Kapitolias, Archbishop Isidoros of Hierapolis, Archbishop Demetrios of Lydda, Assistant Dragoman Archimandrite Bartholomew, the Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem, Mr Zacharoudiakis, Mr Koinis, and Mr Theodosios Mitropolous, head of architectural works in the Church of the Resurrection.

At the presentation, Patriarch Theophilos addressed the Greek Prime Minister, saying that the Patriarchate, in collaboration with the Christian Communities of the Franciscans and the Armenians, took on the initiative to enter into an agreement with the National Technical University of Athens, under the scientific responsibility of Professor Antonia Moropoulou of the NTUA. The agreement provides for innovative interdisciplinary research.

Ms Moropoulou went on to present the report, which is developed across the following fields:

1. Documentation – Diagnosis

1.1 Geometrical Documentation (Under the scientific direction of Prof. A. Georgopoulos))

1.2 Architectural Documentation: Form, structure, structural damages (Under the scientific direction of Prof E. Korres)

1.3 Documentation and characterization of building materials and diagnosis of attrition and pathology (Under the scientific direction of Prof A. Moropoulou)

1.3.1 Non-destructive Control of Expansion / Imaging of Interior Structure of the Holy Aedicula of the Holy Sepulcher with the use of GeoRadar

1.3.2 Documentation and characterization of building materials and diagnosis of attrition

1.4 Dynamic characteristics of the Holy Aedicula of the Holy Sepulcher (Under the scientific direction of Assistant Prof. Ch. Mouzakis)

1.5 Evaluation of Current Condition Against Static and Seismic Loads of the Aedicula of the Holy Sepulcher (Under the scientific direction of Prof. K. Spyrakos)

2. Proposal

2.1 Materials and Interventions for Conservation, Reinforcement and Restoration (Under the scientific direction of Prof. A. Moropoulou)

2.2 Evaluation of Structural Adequacy of Proposed Materials and Conservation Interventions (Under the scientific direction of Prof. K. Spyrakos)

2.3 Planning of Interventions for Conservation, Reinforcement and Restoration (Under the scientific direction of Prof. E. Korres)

2.4 Organization of Construction Site (Under the scientific direction of Assistant Professor Ch. Mouzakis)

3. Perspectives

The development of the project by the interdisciplinary team of the NTUA will include continuous documentation and diagnosis to allow for readjustment of the study on the basis of real data.

On the conclusion of the scientific presentation, the Greek Prime Minister and the Patriarch alike congratulated Ms Moropoulou on her scientific precision, dedication, diligence and conscientiousness and extended wishes that pious sources be found to cover the cost of the execution of the report.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/KDD93BQ1_a0