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HIS BEATITUDE THE PATRIARCH OF JERUSALEM VISITS MOUNT ATHOS

On the morning of Saturday, the 24th of July/6th of August 2016, His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, commenced His already announced visit to the Agion Oros.

The Patriarch was accompanied by the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, the Secretary of the Holy Synod, Archbishop Demetrios of Lydda, Archbishop Nektarios of Anthedon, the Exarch in Athens, Archimandrite Damianos, Hierodeacon Markos, and Mr Theodoros Yiangou, Professor in the Faculty of Theology at the Aristotle University of Salonika.

In the early hours of the aforementioned day, His Beatitude left from Salonika for Ouranopolis and from there, at 9:30 am, He sailed for the port of Daphne. Upon His arrival, He was welcomed by the representatives of the Xeropotamos and Simonos Petras Monasteries, fathers Paul and Ieronymos respectively.

From Daphne the Patriarch left for Karies, where He was welcomed by the four representatives of the Holy Epistasia, the Executive Committee of Mount Athos. At the entrance to the church of the Dormition of Theotokos, Patriarch Theophilos was welcomed by representatives of all twenty monasteries on Mount Athos.

There, His Beatitude put on a mantle and venerated the Gospel, as cantors of the Monasteries of Vatopedi and Simonos Petras sang the “Axion Esti”.

After venerating the icon of Theotokos’ Axion Esti, the Patriarch led Doxology.

The President of the Community of Mount Athos, representative of the Vatopedi Monastery, f. Barnabas, then addressed Patriarch Theophilos, and was followed by the Patriarch’s reply speech.

In His address, the Patriarch spoke of the beneficial and salvaging work carried on by the Church of Jerusalem through the centuries. “With the help and protection of great emperors, e.g. St Constantine and his mother, St Helena, Theodosius the Great, Justinian and others, the Pan-Orthodox and Pan-Christian holy site, the fulcrum of our faith, the Church of the Resurrection and the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem, was first built, followed by Monasteries, Cenobia and Lavrae”. In these sites of veneration, Patriarch Theophilos said, the Church of Jerusalem attests to this day, among heterodox and followers of other religions, to the synergy of Christ’s two natures, the divine and the human, in a single hypostasis, according to the Christological doctrine of the Fourth Ecumenical Synod in Chalcedon. In closing, His Beatitude asked for a renewal and strengthening of the spiritual ties between the Agion Oros and the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, so that Fathers from Mount Athos may be informed of the Patriarchate’s work and that Hagiotaphite Fathers can visit Mount Athos and learn of the cenobitic and ascetic way of life.

After the exchange of gifts, His Beatitude was addressed by the hegumen of the Monastery of Stavronikitas, Hieromonk Nathaniel. In replying, the Patriarch spoke of the inextricable ties between the Mother of Churches and Mount Athos, expressed through the flow of history by monks of Jerusalem and Mount Athos, joined by their ascetic traditions. The ecumenical ascetic figures of the Holy Land, the Patriarch said, cultivated an infertile land with their virtues and stand to this day as role models for the Fathers of Mount Athos too. “The continuous immigration of monks between these two spiritual centres […] and above all the unparalleled contribution of both these sanctified and spiritual sites towards the formulation of Orthodox worship […] shortened distances and joined the spirits and hearts of Mount Athites and Jerusalemites”, the Patriarch remarked.

From Karies, the Patriarch returned to Daphne and from there He sailed for the Holy Skete of St Anna. There, He was warmly welcomed by Hieromonk Ioannis, hegumen of the cell of the Dormition of Theotokos, and others.

In the evening, the Patriarch walked to the katholikon of St Anna Skete, where He was addressed by the hegumen of the Monastery of the Great Lavra, Hieromonk Prodromos.

The Patriarch went on to lead the night-long vigil for the feast of the Dormition of St Anna, having as co-officiants Archbishops Aristarchos of Constantina, Demetrios of Lydda, Nektarios of Anthedon and a plethora of Hieromonks, Mount Athites and the Exarch in Athens, Archbishop Damianos. Monks and pilgrims, numbering approximately 500, attended the vigil.

The divine Liturgy was indeed a communion of heaven and earth, a descent of heaven to earth and rise of the earth to heaven; rise of the congregation to the kingdom of God, that was given to earth through the Incarnate, Crucified and Resurrected Jesus Christ.

The divine Liturgy was followed by lunch, during which His Beatitude addressed the hegumen of the Great Lavra, commemorating the life of the barren St Anna who neither despaired nor stopped praying to God and was therefore rewarded with a great gift, the ever-Virgin Mary who would go on to bear the Incarnate Jesus Christ.  Likewise, the Patriarch said, we pray to God to allow us to bear the Orthodox testimony in the Holy Land and “to complete the already launched project for the restoration of the Aedicula of the Holy Sepulchre for the glory of God and the praise of the blessed race of the Rum Orthodox”.

From the Secretariat-General




PRESENTATION OF ONGOING RESTORATION WORKS ON THE AEDICULA OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE

Before noon on Thursday, the 8th/21st 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




SUNDAY OF PENTECOST DURING THE HOLY AND GREAT SYNOD OF ORTHODOXY

On Sunday, the 6th/19th of June 2016, the Pentecost was observed at St Minas Cathedral in Heraklion with a Joint Patriarchal Liturgy led by the Ecumenical Patriarch who had as concelebrants the Heads of the Orthodox Autocephalous Churches, namely: the Patriarchates of Alexandria, Jerusalem, Serbia, Romania, the Archbishoprics of Cyprus, Athens, Albania, Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Also participating in the service were the Entourages of the Heads of Churches, as well the Metropolitans of the Synod of Crete, and priests of the island. St Minas Choir sang on the right and the “Cretan Maîtres” on the left. Attending the service were the Mayor, the Head of the Region, Under-Secretary Amanatides, the Police, the Army and the Greek President, Mr Pavlopoulos. A great crowd of faithful participated, declaring the unity of the members of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Orthodox Church of Christ.

During the Divine Liturgy, upon the consecration of the Holy Gifts, the bread and wine were turned into the Body and Blood of Christ, of which all Heads of Churches partook, declaring thus the unanimity of the Church and their unity. Members of the congregation also partook of Communion for atonement, strength, life and salvation.

After the apolysis, the Vespers of Whit Monday was held, during which the troparia of Pentecost were sang, followed by the Doxastic prayer:

“O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere and fillest all things; Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life, come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.

Prayers were read in Greek and Romanian, as the faithful knelt to receive them with piety.

After the Apolysis, the Municipality of Heraklion hosted breakfast in the Forecourt of the Dependency of St Catherine of Mount Sinai, followed by lunch hosted by President Pavlopoulos in honour of the Heads of Churches and their Entourages.

During lunch, the President addressed guests, referring to the First Ecumenical Synod which had established the institution of Synods as a way of life within the Church.

The First Ecumenical Synod also composed the Nicene Creed. St John Chrysostom says that the liturgy is performed for peace in the entire world and the ecumene. This particular Synod is of great importance, being the first great Synod of Orthodoxy after the 1054 schism. It has since defined the course of the Orthodox Church in the world we live in.

In His reply-speech, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew expressed joy over the fact that the Heads of Churches and their Entourages were hosted to joint lunch in demonstration of the “principle of reciprocity”. “The core of the interest of both Church and State is man”, said Patriarch Bartholomew. “The State, as an institution, is interested in order in this world, whereas the Church shows man the way to the future city we seek for”. “The world today is in need of philanthropy, love and peace”, added the Ecumenical Patriarch.

This completed the activities of the Great Synod of the Church on Pentecost Sunday.

From the Secretariat-General

 

 




DOXOLOGY ON THE NATIONAL DAY OF THE 25TH OF MARCH 1821 AT THE CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION

At 10.45 of Friday, the 12th/25th of March 2016, Doxology was held at the katholikon of the Church of the Resurrection on the national day of the 25th of March 1821.

Doxology was led by H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, having as concelebrants Hagiotaphite Primates and Hieromonks, Hierodeacons and monks in the presence of the Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem, Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis, members of the Greek parish and the Rum-Orthodox flock in Jerusalem.

Doxology included a prayer of gratitude to God for His help in the liberation of our nation from merciless slavery, and supplication for the repose of the souls of those heroically fallen during the years of the Revolution.

On the conclusion of Doxology, the Patriarchal Entourage returned to the Patriarchates, where the Patriarch addressed clerics and laymen in Greek.

“A bottomless source of inspiration for the revolutionary fighters of 1821”, His Beatitude said, “were admittedly the spiritual greatness of Hellenism, especially of the Christian Orthodox Faith, as proclaimed by the great figures of 1821, Germanos of Old Patras, Kolokotronis, Makrigiannis and several others”.

“We are obliged”, the Patriarch added, “to underline this today, as contemporary perception, namely of the new order, of the divine and natural moral values, e.g. freedom and respect of human rights, is permeated by motives of anarchy and worship of created things”.

“The Greek Revolution of 1821, for the faith and the homeland, has proven that man does not live for his mortal flesh, but instead for the unsurpassed grandeur of his godlike soul. “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Matthew 16, 26).

The Patriarch closed His speech by referring to the contribution of the Church of Jerusalem through the participation of it faithful children, both clerics and laymen, in the fight for freedom.

The Greek Consul-General went on to read the message of the President of the Greek Republic, Mr Pavlopoulos. Here follows an excerpt: 

“The unparalleled example of our ancestors the Fighters, of 1821, must inspire and guide us for all time. Even more so during this current historical occasion for our Homeland. All Greeks, both those living in Greece and those who make part of the thriving Hellenism abroad, owe, now more than ever, to create an unbreakable front of joint responsibility and coordinated actions, so that we may successfully deal with the new challenges of the times and secure a better future for Greece and the new generations of Greeks. Now is the time when Hellenism must take action, united, according to its nature and historical destination, making the best of the immense potential and the excellent quality of human resources and of the Greeks of the Diaspora”.

The Greek President also referred to the huge financial and social problem facing Greece today in consequence of the unprecedented flow of refugees, calling upon the country’s European partners to remember that the center of Europe is not the common currency but Man himself. “We ask”, said Mr Pavlopoulos, “of the European Union to remember its principles and deal with the Refugee problem in accordance with its political and legal civilization, isolating those extreme voices within its midst that advocate exactly the opposite choices and are guided by anti-humanitarian and anti-democratic phobic syndromes”.

The event closed with a reception hosted by the Greek Consulate.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/faac5ofJWus




THE NAME DAY OF H.B. THEOPHILOS, PATRIARCH OF JERUSALEM

On Tuesday, the 9th/22nd of March 2016, the Name Day of H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, was celebrated in commemoration of St Theophilos, one of the Holy Martyrs who had suffered a martyr’s death in the year 320 AD, during the reign of Licinius, in Lake Sebaste, Pontus.

A’ Vespers

The feast began in the form of Parrhesia through the reading of the Ninth Hour at the Monastic Church of Sts Constantine and Helen, followed by procession to the Church of the Resurrection, censing and veneration at the Aedicula of the Holy Sepulchre.

Vespers was then held at the katholikon, upon which the Patriarchal Entourage returned to the Patriarchates.

B’ On feast-day 

On the morning of Tuesday, the 9th/22nd of March 2016, the Patriarchal Entourage walked to the Church of the Resurrection where the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts was led by Patriarch Theophilos, having as concelebrants: Metropolitans Kyriakos of Nazareth and Benedict of Philadelphia, Hagiotaphite Hieromonks and Arabic-speaking presbyters, Archdeacon Evlogios and Hierodeacons Anastasios and Markos. Archimandrite Aristovoulos sang, aided by novice Georgios Papanikolaou, in the presence of the Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem and several pilgrims.

The divine Liturgy was followed by Doxology.

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

Upon return to the Patriarchates, His Beatitude was addressed by the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, and the Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem.

In his speech, Mr Zacharoudiakis conveyed the unwavering support of the Greek Government to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, declaring their acknowledgement, appreciation and respect for the Patriarch’s tireless efforts and multidimensional contribution, and underling the absolute confidence with which He is invested. “The unprecedented change and rapid developments of our times”, said the Consul-General, “especially in the troubled region of the Middle East, project once more the Rum-Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem as a fulcrum of modesty, prudence and stability that, by means of its moral and spiritual stature, contributes to the fight against blind fanaticism and to the defence of justice, the strengthening of understanding and solidarity as well as to the achievement of progress in the efforts towards peace in the suffering Middle East”.

Mr Sami Halasa, Minister of Public Works of the Government of Jordan, and representative of the king of Jordan, also addressed the Patriarch.

Moreover, Metropolitans, Patriarchal Commissioners, representatives of Communities and of sister Orthodox Churches and of the Arabic-speaking flock paid tribute to Patriarch Theophilos.

Extending thanks to those honouring Him, the Patriarch urged everyone to emulate the virtue of the saints in the face of contemporary persecutors of the Church of Christ, who rage against the faithful members of His Church and their innocent fellow citizens. “Lets us therefore pray to the saints”, concluded the Patriarch, “so that by their mediation we provide testament of the love and forbearance of Christ our Saviour,  and we become worthy of peace and concord during these days of the holy Forty-Day Lent before reaching the glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ”.

The festive gathering was followed by meatless monastic lunch.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/ozEJiGkvl3w

httpv://youtu.be/P09L83ebPRc

httpv://youtu.be/J3EAyNoXzbo

 

 




DAY OF CANONIZATION OF ST JOHN THE NEW HOZEVITE AT HOZEVA MONASTERY

On Sunday, the 18th/31st of January 2016, St John the Hosebite was placed in the Canon of Saints  during a panegyric Divine Liturgy at the Monastery of Sts John and George the Hozevites.

Hosios John, the new Hozevite, born in Romania, came to the Holy Land in the mid-20th c. and received the monastic schema at the Monastery of St Savva the Sanctified, and the grace of priesthood at the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. He had lived the greatest part of his life at the Monastery of Choseba, and excelled in virtue and holiness, hence why the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, by means of a Synodical Act, decided to place him in the Canon of Saints of the Church of Jerusalem and of the Church as a whole.

At the Monastery, His Beatitude was warmly welcomed by a crowd of faithful, before being addressed in Greek by the hegoumen, Archimandrite Constantine.

“The late John Jacob”, said Archimandrite Constantine, “from the saint-bearing land of Romania, had gone through the three stadia of monastic and ascetic life: namely catharsis, enlightening and theosis”.

“The Patriarchate of Jerusalem”, added the Archimandrite, “after collecting testaments and recording miracles beyond any doubt […] has decided to place the late Hieromonk John Jacob into the chorus of Saints”.

In His reply address, His Beatitude Theophilos referred to the words of the Apostle Paul –  “For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body – whether Jews or Gentiles (or Romanians) slave or free – and we were all given the one Spirit to drink” (1, Corinthians 12-13). From this one Holy Spirit, and of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ drank all the Saints of the Church, or rather, all those who became friends of Christ and communicants of the inaccessible light of His face”.

In Arabic, the Patriarch’s speech was read by His Eminence Theodosius, Archbishop of Sebasteia, see link: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2016/01/31/18595

The divine Liturgy, held for the entry in force of the Synodical decision, was led by Patriarch Theophilos. Co-officiating were Metropolitans Kyriakos of Nazareth and Isychios of Kapitolias, and the Exarch of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem in Cyprus, Metropolitan Timotheos of Bostra; Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria and Hungary, Archbishop Timotheos, former representative of the Patriarchate of Romania in Jerusalem; Archbishops Aristarchos of Constantina, Theodosios of Sebaste, Demetrios of Lydda, Philoumenos of Pella; Metropolitan Joachim of former Zambia, Hagiotaphite Hieromonks, Archimandrite Hilarion, hegoumen at the Monastery of Mount Tabor; Archimandrite Ioustinos, hegoumen at the Monastery of Jacob’s Well, Archimandrite Chrysostomos, hegoumen at the Monastery of Abba Gerasimus, Archimandrite Christophoros, hegoumen at the Monastery of the Life-giving Spring; other Hagiotaphite Fathers and many priests of the Patriarchate of Romania, led by the Very Reverend Bishop Timotheos, former representative of the Patriarchate of Romania in Jerusalem. Father George Chardavellas, visiting from the Metropolis of Ileia of the Church of Greece, sang in the presence of the Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem, Mr G. Zacharoudiakis, and Mr V. Koinis. A great congregation of monks, nuns and faithful, hailing mostly from Romania, participated in the service.

After the Prayer behind the Ambon, Patriarch Theophilos read the text of the Canonization, see link: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/gr/2016/01/31/32062

At the conclusion of the divine Liturgy and after a supplication with the icon of the saint, participants were hosted to monastic lunch, after which His Beatitude left for Jerusalem.

Biography of Saint John the New Hozevite

Elias Iakov (passport name) was born in the village of Horondistea, in Botosani county, Romania, in 1913 to Maximus and Ekaterini. Due to the fact that he was orphaned by both parents, he was raised until the age of 11 by his pious grandmother Maria, who instilled in the child’s soul the Divine Teachings. After she slept in the Lord, he passed into the guardianship of an uncle and lived a hard childhood in the midst of contempt and deprivation, but with hope firmly oriented to the Lord Jesus, Whom he actually saw with his own eyes on Easter 1927, when he was crying inconsolably at the grave of his parents.  The Lord said to him in a sweet voice:

“Don’t cry my child and don’t be sad, because yes, I am with you. Christ is Risen!”

Studious and intelligent, after seven years of studies – in conditions of incredible poverty – in 1932 he graduated from the Lyceum with honours. Between the two options: continuing studies in Theology, or joining the Monastic order, the holy desire of Monasticism, following a Divine Prompting, prevailed. The Grace of God guided his steps in 1933 to Neamts Monastery, where he became a monk in 1936, and was given the name Ioannis. An ardent desire to worship the Holy and Life-giving Tomb, led him the same year to Jerusalem, where with the blessing of the blessed Patriarch of Jerusalem, Damianos, he served as a monk in the Lavra of Saint Savva for ten years. A model of a subordinate, he gave himself up to monastic striving and after a blessing, he lived for seven years (1947-1952) in the Romanian Hermitage of the Holy Forerunner in Jordan, under particularly adverse living conditions.

Based on his ordination letter preserved in the Archives of the Holy Monastery of Hozeva, his transfer to the river Jordan was preceded by his ordination as Deacon and Priest. Archimandrite Victorinos, head of the Romanian Representation in Jerusalem, had requested his ordination to the Romanian Patriarch Nikodimos. He, in turn, put the request to the Patriarch of Jerusalem Timotheus I, who accepted it. The first ordination was held on April 21, 1947, in the Holy and Life-giving Tomb of the Lord by His Eminence Archbishop Panteleimon of Naples and the second on April 28, 1947, by the His Eminence Archbishop Epiphanios of Philadelphia.

Expelled from the Romanian Monastery of the river Jordan, in 1952, as a nightingale that loves the desert, he settled with his co-ascetic Ioannikios (also of Romanian origin) in the Lavra of Hozeva for one year and six months. Then, seeking complete isolation to indulge in even higher spiritual struggles, he went alone to the hermitage of Saint Anne, which belongs to Hozeva. Only “the Lord saw” what he experienced and what experiences the Saint lived there, “alone with God only”. Every Sunday he went to the Coenobium to participate in the Divine Liturgy and to receive the absolutely necessary food, which the love of the Hozevite Fathers offered him. He himself diligently hid his ascetic struggles, choosing the way of life of the ancient Abbas, the “surreptitious living”. An excellent connoisseur of Greek, immersed in the Patristic texts, he translated a sufficient number of divinely inspired works into Romanian (they were published for the first time in 1968) and indeed the Salutations of the Most Holy Theotokos. Besides possessing a poetic talent, he left a rich collection of poems, of an exceptional height of meaning, the largest part of which has been translated into Greek.

On August 5, 1960, he slept in the Lord at the age of only 47 years, due to his failing health. His departure, which he had foreseen, was one befitting the righteous; Just a few minutes after the Holy Communion, as described by an eyewitness, the already blessed Father Basilios Vakras.

In October 1979, after miraculous signs, his relics was found incorrupt by the Hegoumen of the Hozeva Monastery, blessed Archimandrite Amfilochios. On the 28th of July 1980, with the holy Patriarchal blessing of the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Benedictus, his incorrupt relics was transferred from the Skete to the Holy Monastery, where it is kept today in the Catholicon Church, as a precious treasure and the source of many miracles! Glory and wealth of the Hozevite Fathers, of the Hagiotaphite Fathers in general, but also of the entire Church in service!

On Sunday, January 18/31, 2016, his canonization was announced in a solemn Divine Liturgy, which was officiated by H.H.B. our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III.

His commemoration is celebrated on July 28th/August 10th, the day of the translation of his holy relics”.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/-RMd43vlh2Q

httpv://youtu.be/VIafgbJ2IeY

httpv://youtu.be/0o9R387LNvg




HIERODEACON DIONYSIOS ORDAINED AS PRESBYTER

On the night of Monday the 17th/30th of November to Tuesday the 18th of November/1st of December, Hagiotaphite Hierodeacon Dionysios, hegoumen at the Monastery of the Apostles in Tiberias, was ordained presbyter at the Holy Sepulcher. The Most Reverend Isychios, Metropolitan of Kapitolias, was the ordaining Primate.

During his address to the ordained, Metropolitan Isychios said, among other things:

“Your life as a Hagiotaphite is known to us and worthy of praise; your morality, nobility, unfeigned obedience, respect to your elders and superiors, your kindness and responsibility in the execution of your duties as a deacon but also director of the Patriarchal School’s Boarding House, and secretary of the Finance Committee and accountant, your love for all, dedication to the Hagiotaphic commands and your profound Orthodox faith, all these which serve as ornaments of your character, are rewarded today with this decision of our Head and the members of the Holy and Sacred Synod that you be promoted to the second rank of priesthood and to the position of hegoumen at the Monastery of the Holy Apostles in Tiberias”.

After the reply speech of father Dionysios, the ordaining Metropolitan placed his hands on the head of the ordained and invoked the Holy Spirit on his behalf, with this invocation: “Divine Grace that always cures the ill and replaces the missing, appoints deacon Dionysios to the rank of Presbyter. Let us now wish that the Grace of the All-holy Spirit come upon him”, upon which Hagiotaphite Fathers and the ordained presbyter’s relatives visiting from Greece exclaimed “Worthy he is!”

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

After the ordainment, f. Dionysios hosted those honouring him at the Office of the Elder Sacristan, Archbishop Isidoros of Hierapolis.

On the morning, f. Dionysios, in the presence of Hagiotaphite Fathers and relatives of his, arrived at the Patriarchate to receive the blessings of Patriarch Theophilos and listened to His advice for the performance of his hieratical duties.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/A9BqebVtonQ

httpv://youtu.be/ZYHtkQDMgOU




TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ENTHRONEMENT OF HIS BEATITUDE THEOPHILOS, PATRIARCH OF JERUSALEM

On Sunday, the 9th/22nd of November 2015, feast-day of St Nektarios the miracle-worker, Archbishop of Pentapolis, the Patriarchate celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Enthronement of His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem.

On the occasion of this fortunate event, Doxology was performed at the katholikon of the All-holy Church of the Resurrection, led by His Beatitude. Co-officiating were Hagiotaphite Primates and Hieromonks, having as concelebrants Hagiotaphites, members of the Arabic-speaking flock, and pilgrims, in the presence of Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis, Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem.

On the conclusion of Doxology, concelebrants returned to the Patriarchates, where His Eminence Aristarchos, Archbishop of Constantina, addressed the Patriarch on behalf of the Holy and Sacred Synod.

In his speech, Archbishop Aristarchos spoke of the work performed by the Patriarch since His enthronement, work that is worthy of His predecessors, the late Patriarchs of Jerusalem. Special reference was made to the Patriarch’s particular sensitivity towards the safekeeping and maintenance of the Holy Shrines, that recently led to the structural enhancement of the Aedicula of the Holy Sepulcher by a group of specialized professors from Athens Polytechnic and restoration works on the roof of the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Archbishop Aristarchos also remarked on how the Patriarchate utilizes its property for the benefit of Christians in the Holy Land, i.e. building settlements in Bethlehem and Beit-Jala, and of the harmonious relations it maintains with its sister Orthodox Churches.

The Greek Consul-General then took the floor in order to express Greece’s appreciation, recognition and respect for the religious and national work performed by the Patriarch, conveying the warmest wishes for success in the historical mission He has undertaken. “For Greece”, Mr Zacharoudiakis said, “the protection of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and its historical rights is a priority. This holy Institution symbolizes our diachronic presence in the Holy Land as well as our traditionally friendly and constructive relations and our collaboration in the region, putting into practise the spirit of the ecumenical values of Hellenism”.

Representatives of the Patriarchates of Russia and Romania then addressed the Patriarch, as well as members of the flock.

His Beatitude spoke last, saying that He has been called upon to prove Himself worthy of His Hagiotaphite mission, “clothed” according to the Apostle Paul, “with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with each other… and over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity”. [Col. 2, 12-13]

The Patriarch’s address was translated into Arabic by the Patriarchate’s Liaison with Arabic Mass Media, f. Issa Mousleh, and posted here: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2015/11/22/16147

After those present paid their respects to the Patriarch, Hagiotaphites and guests were hosted to festive lunch.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/wjEC6QN7vtg




THE FEAST OF ST GEORGE THE GREAT MARTYR IN LYDDA (LOD)

On Monday, the 3rd/16th of November 2015, the Patriarchate commemorated the translation of the relics of St George the Great Martyr and Trophy Bearer, and the inauguration of the church dedicated to his name in Lydda (Lod) in the 4th c. AD.

The relics of St George had been translated from Rome, where he had suffered a martyr’s death, to Lydda, the birthplace of his mother, where it was buried in a tomb over which a magnificent church was constructed on the instructions of St Helena. The church opened on the 3rd of November, the day on which we celebrate the translation of the saint’s relics, whilst the 23rd of April commemorates his death.

St George’s Church has suffered damages and attrition throughout the history of Palestine, but has remained one of the Patriarchate’s Shrines and the Church of the Greek Orthodox Arabic-speaking Community in Lydda, numbering approximately 1300 members.

The divine Liturgy was led by Patriarch Theophilos having as concelebrants: Archbishops Damascene of Joppa and Aristarchos of Constantina; Metropolitan Joachim of former Zambia, and Bishop Isaiah visiting from the Czech Lands and Slovakia, Hagiotaphite Hieromonks of neighbouring towns; Archimandrite Sophronios, Hegoumen in Rene; Archimandrite Ieronymos, Hegoumen in Fhes, Jordan; the Head of the Russian MISSIA, Archimandrite Leontios; the Hegoumen in Remle, Archimandrite Niphon, Archdeacon Evlogios and deacon Synesios. Archimandrite Aristovoulos sang with the Community’s cantors in Greek and Arabic in the presence of Mr Alexandros Gennimatas, representative of the Hellenic Embassy to Israel; the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Israel; the Georgian Ambassador and a crowd of faithful that included Greek Orthodox Arabic-speaking locals, as well as visitors from the adjacent towns of Joppa and Remli, but also from Galilee and the occupied areas.

During Communion, His Beatitude preached the Word of God in Greek.

After the distribution of the antidoron and the apolysis, a reception was held at the Hegoumen’s quarters, followed by lunch hosted by Archimandrite Nicodemus and the Community of Lydda.

The representatives of the Embassies of Greece, Cyprus and Georgia attended lunch and were addressed in English by the Chairman of the Community. See link: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2015/11/16/18063

From the Secretariat-General  

httpv://youtu.be/R5av9FBrPLc

httpv://youtu.be/S_boa7KZqjE




ADDRESS OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORTHODOX COMMUNITY OF LOD AT THE FEAST OF SAINT GEORGE.

LOD, 3/16 of November 2015

Your Holiness, the Patriarch of Jerusalem,

Your   Excellencies,

members   of   the diplomatic community,

The Mayor, The V. Mayer Dear friends,

 

We have gathered today to celebrate the day of St. George – one of the most important and well-known saints in the Christian world, shared by all churches alike.

Today we celebrate George the saint, his courage, his devotion to God and his willingness to sacrifice – even his own life – for the good of others.

Our Christian Community here in Lod is a small one, less than 1,000 strong, but as we know, it is the quality, not the quantity, that matter.

Over 90% of our school graduates pursue academic education, becoming doctors, lawyers, accountants, engineers, Hi-Tech engineers, and more.

However, our community receives very little support from other organizations, aside from the Patriarch’s generous contribution. Most of our incomes are from our community members who pay 500 Shekels per-year, to sustain our ongoing activity at the center, including expenses such as electricity, water, insurance, scouts activities and more. Lately we’ve been informed that we must pay 500,000 Shekels in taxes in order to get a license to keep our community center going, in addition to making mandatory adjustments and changes in the building, estimated to be up to another 500,000 Shekels.

We welcome the Mayor’s promises to assist us in lowering the taxes burden, but we are yet to receive a final answer on this issue. We hope that his final answer, which we still await, will live up to the promises he made to us.

And we would welcome any assistance from any other source, who believes in our Community and realizes the importance of this project for the future of our children.

Your Holiness, I’m standing here humble but also proud, proud to be son of this great city, son of Jesus son of god.

 

And I will repeat today what I said last year and what I’ll

continue saying every year:

Your Holiness…. We are the salt of the earth.

In the spirit of St. George, I welcome you to our home, and wish you a happy celebration, and may we see you with us next year again.

Thank you.