1

ST GEORGE CHURCH CONSECRATED IN NISF IJBIL

On Tuesday, the 5th/18th of November 2014, the Church of St George in the Community of Nisf Ijbil, lying at some distance from Nablus, Samaria, was consecrated.

The town used to be inhabited by Greek Orthodox Arab-speaking Community members who, however, over the last thirty years have gradually abandoned their town in search of better living conditions – with the exception of one family.

The Church of the Community suffered the consequences of abandonment, that is why it was recently restored, repaired and renovated at the subvention of Mr Basem Labib Hismech, Greek Orthodox pious donator. The church will be attended by the aforementioned family on every occasion a priest of the Patriarchate may be available to officiate.

Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem performed the divine Liturgy in celebration of the renovation, accompanied by Archimandrite Justinus, Abbot at Jacob’s Well; Protosyncellus Leontios, head of the Raffidia Community; f. Ignatius, head of the Beit-Sahur Community; and members of the Church Board of the Community of Raffidia.

The Head Cantor of the Church of Sts Constantine and Helena, Archimandrite Eusebius, sang in Greek and Arabic, in the presence of several Orthodox Christians from the Samaria region. Those were addressed by His Beatitude through f. Issa Mousleh, the Patriarchate’s liaison with Arab-speaking Media. See link:: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2014/11/18/8264

After mass, the Abbot at Jacob’s Well and renovator of the Church of St Photini, Archimandrite Justinus, hosted His Beatitude, His retinue, and the congregation, to lunch.

Over lunch, His Beatitude bestowed the medal of Crusader of the Holy Sepulcher to Mr Basem Labib Hishmeh.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/kfzvbUALNGE

httpv://youtu.be/w22nu7aIK3E




NEW MODEL NURSERY SCHOOL IN FHES, JORDAN

A model Nursery School, belonging to the Orthodox Schools Complex of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, now operates in the Christian town of Fhes near Amman, Jordan.

The school project, which takes up an area of 1.300 m2, began with the wishes and blessings of His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, on April 2014, and was completed in August of the same year.

It opened on September 1st 2014, with 120 children, which could mark the beginning for the creation of an International Stream School of the Patriarchate in Jordan.

Of note is the fact that the Patriarchate of Jerusalem maintains today 13 school units in Jordan, hosting 6.000 students and employing a great number (820) of high school teachers, elementary school teachers, auxiliary personnel etc.

From the Education Committee in Jordan




BIBLE SOCIETY PUBLISHES THE PATRIARCHATE OF JERUSALEM’S NEW TESTAMENT IN ARABIC

On Friday, the 4th/ 17th of October 2014, the Palestinian Bible Society hosted an event at the “Convention Center” of the Palestinian Autonomy, between Bethlehem and Hebron.

His Beatitude, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, attended the event, accompanied by the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Archdeacon Evlogios, priests from the occupied areas, i.e. the Hagiotaphite Protosyncellus Leontios, vicar in Rafidia; f. Emmanuel, vicar in Aboud Community; f. Boulos, vicar in Beit-Jalla; and f. Issa Mousleh, the Arab-speaking Mass Media Liaison – as well as faithful from the Patriarchate’s Orthodox flock.

Also in attendance were the heads of other Christian Churches in Jerusalem, i.e. the former Latin Patriarch, His Beatitude Michel Sabbah; the Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem, the Right Reverend Suheil Dawani, H.E. William Shomali of the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem – as well as Palestinian Autonomy officials, i.e. Tourism Minister, Mrs Roula Ma’ayah.

The programme included the National Palestinian Anthem, “Our Father” read out along with excerpts from the New Testament, and an address by the Director of the Bible Society, Mr Filmon Nashiat. Mr Nashiat pointed out that the purpose of the gathering was the dissemination of the Word of God.

The event celebrated the publication of the New Testament in Arabic, edited by Metropolitan Constantinos of Bagdad. The Arabic translation is available in 15.000 copies, paid for by the Bible Society.

His Beatitude Theophilos addressed the event in Arabic, see link: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2014/10/17/7778

In His address, Patriarch Theophilos thanked Mr James Catford, Group Chief Executive of the Bible Society in the UK, and Mr Filmon Nashiat, Director at the Palestine Office, for covering the expenses of the publication. Thanks were also extended to Mr George Bassous for hosting the event in the Convention Center, which was founded by the late Said Houri. Mr George Bassous also delivered a speech in honour of the late George Said.

Messrs. Issah Mousleh and James Catford also spoke at the event. Mr Catford pointed out that in trying times, it is worth knowing who are friends are, just as the Bible Society is a friend of Christians in Palestine.

His Beatitude went on to offer Mr George Bassous an icon of Christ in memory of the late George Said. Copies of the New Testament in Arabic translation were offered to all participants.

From the Secretariat-General




HIS BEATITUDE INSPECTS REPARATION WORKS AT SION PATRIARCHAL SCHOOL

On Tuesday, the 20th of August/2nd of September 2014, H.B. Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, accompanied by the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, and the Acting Principal, the Reverend Monk Nikolaos Zervis, visited the Patriarchate’s School of Sion.

The aim of the visit was for the Patriarch to bless the reparations intended to reinforce the building, the project recently completed by the architect of the Church of the Resurrection, Mr Theodosios Mitropoulos – as well as works underway at the dining hall of the School. The latter works are being supervised by the Principal of the Boarding House, monk Antiochos, in view of the arrival of new students for the 2014-2015 academic year.

After inspecting the works, His Beatitude gave instructions that they be carried on and financed, as they are, by the Patriarchate.

From the Secretariat-General




INAUGURATION OF NEW PREMISES FOR THE GREEK CONSULATE IN OLD JERUSALEM

On Tuesday, the 4th/17th of June 2014, the new building of the Greek Consulate General of East Jerusalem was inaugurated. The Consulate stands at the end of the Latin Patriarchate street, in the old city of Jerusalem. The building, which is owned by the Patriarchate, was appropriately restored and rented to the Consulate General for a symbolic price.
The inauguration-blessing rite was performed by His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem and attended by the Consulate personnel, Hagiotaphite Fathers and members of the Greek parish.

 

At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Beatitude addressed Consul-General, Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis, his esteemed wife, and all attendants, pointing out how the granting, by the Patriarchate, of new premises for the Consulate General of Greece in East Jerusalem, was the great wish of the ever memorable Patriarch Benedict, who “counted upon the Greek State as the natural, moral and legal protector of the ab antiquo acquired and inalienable rights and privileges of the pious race and nation of the Rum Orthodox in the Holy Land”.

 The Consul-General thanked His Beatitude for His support during the preparatory process and arrangement of every detail towards housing the East Jerusalem Department of the Consulate General, which is expected to strengthen the relations between the Patriarchate and Greece as heir to the Byzantine Empire for the protection of our nation.

From the Secretariat-General




COOPERATION BETWEEN THE DEMOCRITUS UNIVERSITY OF THRACE AND THE PATRIARCHATE OF JERUSALEM

On Thursday, the 31st of January/13th of February 2014, a Protocol on Cooperation was signed between the Department of Language, Literature and Civilization of the Black Sea Countries at the Democritus University of Thrace, and the Orthodox Educational Center of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Bethlehem.

The Protocol was signed by His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, in the name of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and Professor Constantinos Remelis on behalf of the Democritus University of Thrace.

According to the Protocol, “the Department of Language, Literature and Civilization of the Black Sea Countries at the Democritus University of Thrace undertakes to dispatch members of its Teaching and Research Personnel to the Orthodox Educational Center of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Bethlehem” with the purpose of giving lectures and educational seminars, as well as holding on-site seminars and realizing visits aimed at teaching the Greek language to the Arab-speaking Rum Orthodox of the Bethlehem region, Shepherds Village and Beit-Jalla and acquainting them with the Greek and Byzantine tradition.

The entire text of the Protocol on Cooperation is posted in the Greek version of the News Gate, for whom it may concern.

From the Secretariat-General




INAUGURATION OF THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHER EXARCHY IN CYPRUS

On the morning of Saturday the 27th of April/10th, the church of the Holy Sepulcher Exarchy was inaugurated in Cyprus, followed by the Divine Liturgy.

The Exarchy building lies at a short distance from the Holy Archbishopric of Cyprus. It was built on land belonging to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and within the older building, preserving all items designated by the Archaeological Department of Cyprus.

The newly erected building includes a church dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord and to St Philoumen the Hagiotaphite who suffered a martyr’s death near Jacob’s Well.

The entire work was completed with the approval of the Holy Archbishopric of Cyprus, in response to a relevant request by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

Works of reconstruction, reparation and erection of the Church and its surrounding halls intended for the operation of the Exarchy and the dwelling of the Exarch, as well as of visiting Hagiotaphite Fathers, were completed within approximately two years, owing to the diligent efforts of the Exarch, the Most Reverend Timotheos, Metropolitan of Bostroi and the financial support of the Patriarchate’s benefactor, Mr Igor Altushkin. Also, thanks to the knowledge and honesty of architects, Mr Ioannis Agisilaou and Mr Georgios Kalavas, and the knowledge and transparency of foreman Mr Andronikou.

The new Exarchy fills the void of the old Exarchy of the Holy Sepulcher at the Holy Monastery of St Chrysostom in Koutsoventis, which has been inoperative since the 1974 Turkish invasion in Cyprus. It is intended to serve as a link between the life and collaboration of these two ancient Churches, namely the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Church of Cyprus, throughout their pastoral, ecclesiastical, and venerating work, as well as in their peacemaking, educational and cultural endeavours in the Middle East.

The Inauguration ceremony was performed after Saturday Matins Service.

In accordance with the typical order of Inauguration, the holy relics were carried from the Altar across the church and around it, after the recitation of relevant excerpts from the Old Testament and the Gospels.

Subsequently, as the Patriarch invoked “Lift up your heads, O ye gates! and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors! and the King of glory shall enter in” thrice, the gates of the Church opened to let the Patriarch in.

The holy relics carried from Jerusalem were then placed on the Holy Altar, followed by a consecration ceremony which involved smearing the icons on the iconostasis with the holy myrrh.

Once the Holy Altar was consecrated, the Divine Liturgy began.

The festive Orthodox service was led by His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem. Co-officiating on his right was His Beatitude Chrysostomos, Archbishop of Cyprus, surrounded by the Most Reverend Chrysostomos, Metropolitan of Kition; the Exarch, Metropolitan Timotheos of Bostroi; the Patriarchal Commissioner in Gaza, Archbishop Alexios of Tiberias; the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constanina; Archimandrites Evdokimos and Ignatios; other Hieromonks and Presbyters of the Church of Cyprus; Archdeacon Evlogios; Archdeacon Kyprianos of the Holy Archbishopric of Cyprus, and a crowd of faithful and friends of the Holy Sepulcher. Co-praying among them was Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Kyrenia, as the choir sang under the direction of Mr Christos Pantelis (at Vespers) alongside the Engomi parish choir.

At the conclusion of the divine liturgy, His Beatitude Theophilos delivered an address in Greek.

The Grand Crusader’s Medal of the Holy Sepulcher was then presented to Metropolitan Timotheos of Bostroi, on behalf of benefactor Mr Igor Altushkin, absent due to illness.

Metropolitan Timotheos went on to thank God for guiding his steps to the diaconate of the Mother of Churches; His Beatitude, for appointing him Exarch of the Holy Sepulcher, Mr Igor Altushkin, for his generous financial support until the completion of the work, as well as the choirs, before presenting the Archbishop of Cyprus with a prelatic engolpio carrying an icon of the Ascension.

The proprietor’s inscription was then revealed, followed by a short reception at the forecourt.

Lunch was hosted by the Exarch at the Royal Hotel. During lunch, the Patriarch of Jerusalem addressed guests in Greek.

This completed the liturgical, ecclesiastical and social events marking the opening of the Holy Sepulcher Exarchy in Cyprus.

From the Secretariat-General




INAUGURATION CEREMONY FOR THE CHURCH OF THE EXARCHY OF THE HOLY SEPULCHER IN CYPRUS

The Exarchy of the Holy Sepulcher in Cyprus would like to inform all those interested that Matins and the Inauguration Ceremony for its Church will be held on Saturday, the 10th of May 2014, at 7:00 am, in honour of the Ascension of the Lord and in memory of St Philoumenos, the Hagiotaphite Holy Martyr (at 4, Archimandrite Kyprianos Street, Nicosia 1015).

His Beatitude Theophilos III, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, will lead the Inauguration Ceremony. A Joint Liturgy will follow, His Beatitude Chrysostomos II, the Archbishop of Cyprus officiating, with concelebrant Prelates and other Hierarchs from the Churches of Jerusalem and Cyprus.

On the occasion of the Inauguration, His Beatitude, Patriarch Theophilos, is expected to carry a Piece of the Lord’s Holy Cross, incorporated into the Holy Icon of Sts Constantine and Helen from the All-holy Church of the Resurrection, for veneration and for the blessing of the faithful. The reception of the Holy Cross will take place at the Exarchy, at 9:00, and will be on display for veneration between May 9th and the evening of the 11th, at which time His Beatitude is scheduled to return to the Holy Land.

Expected to attend the ceremony are Prelates, representatives of the Republic of Cyprus, Members of Parliament, Ambassadors and other officials.

On the eve of the Inauguration, namely Friday the 9th of May, at 18:00, celebratory Vespers will be led by His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem.

On Saturday the 10th of May, at 18:00, Vespers will be led by a Prelate from the Patriarch’s Retinue.

On Sunday, the 11th of May, Matins will begin at 6:30, followed by Prelatic Divine Liturgy.

At 18:00, supplication will be made, before the departure of the Holy Cross.

From the Exarchy.

For information, please call: Mr Christos Stavrou: 99663661; Exarchy: 22670627 & 99220090.




“THYRANOIXIA” OF HOLY SEPULCHER EXARCHY IN NICOSIA

On the evening of Thursday the 15th/28th of November 2013, the “thyranoixia” ceremony, namely the opening of the doors, of the Holy Sepulcher Exarchy took place in the vicinity of the Archbishopric of Cyprus, in Nicosia.

The ceremony coincided with the eve of the commemoration of St Philoumenos the Hieromartyr, who suffered at martyr’s death near Jacob’s Well in 1979. By decision of the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, St Philoumenos is commemorated on the day of his martyrdom, namely the 16th/29th of November each year.

The Exarchy of the All-Holy Sepulcher was erected almost from ruins and maintained owing to the approval of His Beatitude Chrysostomos, Archbishop of Cyprus, upon the blessing, support and protection of His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, the tireless efforts of the Most Reverend Timotheos, Metropolitan of Bostroi and Patriarchal representative to Cyprus, at the expense of pious benefactors – mostly the significant subvention of Mr Igor Altushkin, pious pilgrim.

Leading the ceremony of “thyranoixia” was the Most Reverend Metropolitan Timotheos, in the presence of the Reverend Gregorios, Bishop of Mesaoria; the Hagiotaphite Hegoumen of the Monastery of the Shepherds in Bet Sahur, Archimandrite Ignatius, acting as a representative of His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, and carrying a piece from the holy relics of St Philoumenos the Hieromartyr –the main church of the Exarchy being dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord, its chapel to St Philoumenos; the Most Reverend Chrysostomos, Metropolitan of Kyrenia, the Greek Ambassador to Cyprus, Mr Vasilios Papaioannou, representatives of the Nicosia Mayoralty, and a great crowd.

On the following day, Friday the 16th/29th of November 2013, the divine Liturgy was held, led by the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Bostroi. Co-officiating were Archimandrite Ignatius and priests from the Archbishopric and Bishoprics of Cyprus.

During the opening of the doors as well as in the course of the Divine Liturgy, the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Bostroi thanked the Lord for deeming us worthy to reach the “thyranoixia” ceremony, the Archbishopric of Cyprus, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, benefactors, and the attending crowd, wishing that the inauguration ceremony be held soon in order for the Exarchy to operate fully as the link between two ancient apostolic Churches, those of Jerusalem and Cyprus, for the benefit of the two Churches and pious Cypriot pilgrims alike.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/pZrbZj8THSc




LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF A CHURCH IN BIRZEIT

On the evening of Sunday the 9th/22nd of September 2013, the foundation-stone was set of a church of the Greek Orthodox (Rum Orthodox) Community of the Patriarchate in the town of Birzeit, near Ramallah.

Birzeit is one of the most significant towns of the Palestinian Autonomy, which also hosts a University.

In this town, the Patriarchate has always maintained an Arab-speaking Greek Orthodox Community, comprising of approximately a hundred and fifty families. Only recently the town acquired a school, founded upon the suggestion of the Patriarchate and the subvention of the European Union.

Accompanied by the Elder Secretary General Aristarchos, Archbishop of Constantina, and the Patriarchal Commissioner in Irbet, Jordan, His Eminence Philoumenos, Archbishop of Pella, His Beatitude Theophilos was warmly received by the Head of the Community, Archimandrite f. Modestos, the Community Council and Orthodox faithful.

There, on a land owned by the Patriarchate, His Beatitude performed the holy-water rite and set the foundation-stone for a church to be dedicated to St George. The church is intended to accommodate more comfortably than the previous one the needs of the Community’s members.

On the occasion of the laying of the cornerstone, His Beatitude spoke these words in Arabic: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2013/09/22/2714

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/kcL2gqTn7e4