Patriarchate of Jerusalem – Orthodox Times (en)

The Holy Unction at the Patriarchate of Jerusalem (VIDEO)

NewsRoom — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 08:57:45 +0000

On Wednesday afternoon, January 3, 2024, the Service of the Holy Unction was held at the monastic and Patriarchal Holy Church of Saints Constantine and Helen as preparation and sanctification for the feast of Christmas.

The service was presided over by Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem with the co-celebration of six Archbishops so that the total number would be seven as the Typikon of the Church dictates.

At the end of the service, Patriarch Theophilos and the High Priests were anointed with the blessed olive oil, and then the High Priests anointed the Priests, Monks, Nuns, and pilgrims who attended the service.

Source / Photo credits: Patriarchate of Jerusalem

Deacon’s ordination at the Patriarchate of Jerusalem (VIDEO)

NewsRoom — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 07:17:00 +0000

On Wednesday night January 3, 2024, the monk Alexander was ordained a Priest by the Representative of the Jerusalem Patriarchate at the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Archbishop Nectarios of Anthedona at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

On Wednesday morning Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem received the newly ordained Deacon and Archbishop Nectarios to give His blessing, wishes, and instructions.

Source / Photo credits: Patriarchate of Jerusalem

Feast of Saint Modestos was celebrated at Patriarchate of Jerusalem

NewsRoom — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 14:05:22 +0000

On Saturday, December 30, 2023, the commemoration of Saint Modestos, Patriarch of Jerusalem was celebrated at the Holy Monastery named after him, at the site on the hill of Abu Tor, separated from the hill of Saint Zion by the valley of Gehenom.

On this day, the whole Church, especially that of Jerusalem, remembers that Saint Modestos was distinguished in the 7th century. He started his monastic striving at the Holy Monastery of Abba Theodosius the Cenobiarch in the Judean Desert.

Successor to Patriarch Zacharias on the Throne of Jerusalem, he renovated Churches and monasteries and proved to be a helper of broken souls, overwhelmed by the fury of the Persian invasion in the year 614. He slept in the Lord as a holy man.

In his honour, in the Holy Monastery named after him, also known as Abou-Tor, Vespers was held in the afternoon by Archimandrites Christodoulos and Amfilochios and Hierodeacon Eulogios. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Saturday morning by Archbishop Nektarios of Anthedona, under the chanting of Hierodeacon Simeon and the attendance of monks, nuns and faithful Christians from Jerusalem.

During the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem visited the Holy Monastery, accompanied by the Holy Sepulchre Fathers.

The Patriarchal and Episcopal entourages were offered a treat by dedicated monk Antiochos, who is in charge of the Monastery and defends it from the challenges of the ill-behaved people.

Source / Photo credits: Patriarchate of Jerusalem

Jerusalem Patriarchate’s Holy Synod welcomes Antioch’s communion restoration decision

NewsRoom — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 14:01:12 +0000

The Holy Synod was convened on Thursday, December 28, 2023, and was presided over by Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem.

During the meeting, the Patriarch discussed the painful events and challenging times in the Holy Land, especially in Gaza. Emphasizing the significance of the Church’s role both spirituality and financially, the members highlighted the importance of intensifying prayers to end the war. In light of the holy season of Christmas, the New Year, and the Divine Epiphany, they stressed the need to cease celebratory activities, focusing solely on customary religious services and prayers.

Regarding the Church’s practical role, the Patriarch commended Bishop Alexios and Archimandrite Silas for opening the doors of the church, monastery, and affiliated facilities to shelter the civilians in Gaza. The Holy Synod praised the distinctive role of the Bishop and the Archimandrite, an integral part of the Church’s national duty throughout history.

The discussion also included the importance of providing continued support and aid to meet the bare essential humanitarian needs in these harsh conditions. The Synod applauded the efforts of King Abdullah II and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in delivering aid to the people of Gaza. The Synod also acknowledged Bishop Makarios’s report on his humanitarian mission to assist Gaza residents through Egypt, supported by the government of Qatar.

The Patriarch and the Holy Synod exchanged messages with Patriarch John X of Antioch, regarding the restoration of ecclesiastical communion with the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. They welcomed this decision, emphasizing the importance of reinforcing fraternal relations between the sisterly patriarchates of Antioch and Jerusalem.

Additionally, they discussed the visit of Metropolitan Athanasius Fahd and Metropolitan Ephrem of Aleppo to Jordan, expressing gratitude for the Antiochian Church’s generous support of $42,700 for the brethren in Gaza.

The Synod deliberated on various internal and external matters, making the following decisions:

1. Reconfirming the appointment of Archbishop Philoumenos of Pella as the head of the Monastery of the Apostles in Tiberias, with Monk Basilios assisting during the Archbishop’s absence for further studies at Thessaloniki University.

2. Appointing Archimandrite Benedictus Kayyal, Hegoumen of the Monastery of Cana, as a member of the Ecclesiastical Court of Nazareth.

3. Approving the appointment of Father Nicolas Dawood for one year to serve the community in the United States through the Patriarchal Representation.

4. Approving the ordination of monk Alexander as a deacon.

5. Granting permission to the deacon Evlogios to pursue higher education in the United States.

Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem

Monk’s tonsure and novices’ cassock blessing at the Patriarchate of Jerusalem

NewsRoom — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 07:54:11 +0000

On the 26th of December 2023, in the chapel of the Holy Pentecost in the hall of the Patriarchate, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem held a monk’s tonsure for novice Andreas Hatzistabulidis, giving him the name Alexander.

The new monk has ministered successfully in Praetorium, Gethsemane, and Bethlehem. At the same time, the Patriarch blessed the monastic cassocks for novices Alexander and Christos who have been serving at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Patriarch Theophilos addressed the new monk and the cassock-clad novices with words of encouragement, underlining the honor and the responsibility of a monk’s membership in the Order of the “Spoudaioi” (Studious) of the Holy Sepulchre.

In the spirit of these words and because of the Christmas Feast, the Patriarch wished the monk and the novices for strength from above for a worthy Holy Sepulchre witness to this thirsty world, inspired by the Cross and the Resurrection of Christ.

Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem

Christian religious leaders of the Holy Land Churches plea for permanent humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza

NewsRoom — Fri, 22 Dec 2023 09:15:46 +0000

In a powerful demonstration of unity and Christian values, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, delivered a compelling speech on behalf of all the Patriarchs and Heads of churches in the Holy Land, during the annual holiday meeting with President Isaac Herzog of Israel, demanding an immediate cessation of military activity in Gaza.

Addressing the critical issues facing the Holy Land, the Patriarch of Jerusalem emphasized the common moral values inherent in the great monotheistic faiths. He underscored the sanctity of every human life, the imperative for dignity, and the pursuit of freedom, safety, and security for all residents of the diverse Holy Land.

At the heart of the Patriarch’s address was a poignant call to action – an urgent plea for an immediate permanent humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. The leaders of the Holy Land Churches united in their commitment to peace, recognize the deepening humanitarian crisis and the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the midst of conflict. Their appeal resonates as a compassionate response to the ongoing violence that plagues the region.

Rejecting the notion of a military solution, the Heads of Churches advocated for dialogue and reconciliation as the only sustainable paths to peace. The call for a permanent ceasefire is not only an expression of moral values but a collective rejection of cycles of violence that have proven ineffective in bringing lasting peace.

Amidst the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict, the leaders of the churches of the Holy Land stress the importance of acting swiftly, urging that no more innocent lives be lost. His Beatitude’s speech embraces the season of light and hope, expressing a collective aspiration for a better future where shared moral and spiritual values foster prosperity for all.

As the Holy Land enters the holiday season, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem extend warm wishes for peace and goodwill. Their collective hope is for a workable and lasting peace to be realized in the coming New Year, bringing solace to the Holy Land.

Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem

Meeting of religious leaders in Jordan on Gaza issue – Patriarch of Jerusalem was present

NewsRoom — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 16:48:59 +0000

King Abdullah II reiterated the firm and clear position of the Kingdom of Jordan on the Palestinian issue and the aggression in Gaza.

The king said he would not back down from their stance and would do everything possible to achieve their goals.

During his meeting with religious leaders, including Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, at the Husseiniyah Palace, on Wednesday, the king stressed the need to “stand united” in defending the Muslim and Christian populations in Jerusalem.

The feast of Saint Nikolaos was celebrated at the Patriarchate of Jerusalem

NewsRoom — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 06:11:29 +0000

On Tuesday, December 19, 2023, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem celebrated the feast of Saint Nikolaos, Bishop of Mira of Lycia the wonderworker.

On this feast, the Church commemorates Saint Nikolaos as the Father of the Church in the 4th century, “a rule of faith and an image of piety”, who participated in the First Ecumenical Council of Nice and defended the one essence of the Son with the Father.

This feast was celebrated:

At the town of Beit Jala, at the marvellous Church of Saint Nikolaos. The Divine Liturgy was presided over by Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, with the co-celebration of the Archbishops Aristarchos of Constantina and Theodosios of Sebasteia, Archimandrite Nectarios, the Hegoumen of the H. Monastery of Saint George Al Khader Archimandrite Porphyrios, the Priests Boulos, Yusef and Elias and other Priests of the area and Hierodeacon Eulogios. The Service was attended by the full congregation of the town, the representative of the Greek Consulate General in Jerusalem Mrs Constantina Gyftou, and the representatives of the Palestinian State, Mr Houloud Dagiebes and Mr Riyad Hananie, and the Hegoumen of Beit Jala Archimandrite Ignatios who was responsible for the organization of the feast.

Before the Holy Communion the Patriarch of Jerusalem delivered the following Sermon:

“For this God is our God forever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death” (Ps. 48,14) the psalmist proclaims.

Beloved Brethren in Christ,

Reverend Christians

Christ’s Hierarch, Nikolaos the Bishop of Mira in Lycea has gathered us all in his Church, at the biblical town of Beit Jala to celebrate his sacred commemoration.

The Holy Church of Christ rejoices and is glad on the commemoration of its Saint Nikolaos, because he was a great shepherd who imitated the Arch-shepherd Christ, not only around his spiritual jurisdiction but for all the Catholic and Apostolic Church as Saint John of Damascus says. Thou the great shepherd and imitator of Arch-shepherd Christ in all things we implore thee O Nikolaos, from the sacred heights shepherd thine servants, saving all from the hardships of life.

Indeed, our Father Nikolaos became a great shepherd of the whole Church because he had our Lord Jesus Christ as a prototype; “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep… I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10,11,14-15).

In interpreting the Lord’s words, Saint Cyril of Alexandria says: “Man distanced himself from God’s love and was inclined toward sin. For this reason, he was cast out of the holy and divine courtyard, I mean the courtyard of paradise. And because he fell ill from this attitude of the devil, who cunningly cheated man and led him into sin, from which death sprouted, man became a victim of wolves who were indeed bitter and ruthless. But because Christ is the good shepherd for all men, He lay His life for us…and suffered in the Cross for us, so that by death He may abolish death, “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross” (Col. 2,14) as it is written”.

The holy and divine courtyard is no other than the Church, the earthly paradise, which God granted to us men so that we may have freedom, “which we have in Christ” (Gal. 2,4). “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Gal. 5,1) Saint Paul urges us. The Son and Word of God became the First Shepherd “For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand” (Ps. 95,7) the psalmist proclaims. God appointed Apostles and teachers to the Church (c.f. 1 Cor. 12,28), the successors of whom are the Bishops, sustained by the Holy Spirit, and they pastor the Church of Christ (c.f. Acts 20,28).

Saint Nikolaos was such a Bishop and shepherd, a successor of the Apostles and shone in the Church. His active participation in the First Ecumenical Council of Nice in AD 325 against the heretic teachings of Areus made Saint Nikolaos a “rule of faith” and “protector of the Church” as his hymnographer says: “A fervent protector art thou of the whole Church of Christ, most boldly destroying the ungodly teachings of all the impious heresies; and a rule of Orthodoxy wast thou to all men, interceding for all them that follow thy teachings and godly admonitions, O most merciful Nikolaos” (Matins, Kathisma 5).

The blessed Nikolaos, as the hymnographer says, “was sanctified as a great initiate of the divine Grace of God” (Kontakion), because he kept the divine commandments and worked righteousness at all times, just like the psalmist says: “Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times” (Ps. 106,3). Behold, therefore, why Saint Nikolaos was called a wonderworker.

Our Father Nikolaos did not write any writings because the Gospel of Christ was written in his heart, and he kept a clear consciousness of the mystery of faith (c.f. 1 Tim. 3,9). God shone in Nikolaos’ heart the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in Jesus Christ (c.f. 2 Cor. 4,6) as Saint Paul preaches. Moved by the enlightening power of God’s glory, Saint Nikolaos became a shepherd of the Ecumenical Church and a teacher of Orthodoxy, that is, of the doctrines of truth, as the hymnographer says: “Going about amidst the beauties that eye hath never seen, thou didst perceive that glory which is awesome and fearful; wherefore, thou, O holy of holies, dost tell us the heavenly oracles of those eternal and true visions seen on high, O most sacred Hierarch Nikolaos” (Praises, Troparion 3).

In other words, my dear brethren, the Shepherds of the Church are the instruments of the Holy Spirit and they have been appointed with the care of the Churches, while Christ is the First Shepherd, that is why Saint Peter says: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (1 Peter 5,7-9).

The God-bearing Nikolaos, who had visited the holy land of Palestine, calls us to this cause, to remain steadfast in the faith that we have received from our God and Saviour Jesus Christ through His holy

Apostles and their successors, the holy God-bearing Fathers of our Church. This faith is no other than the great mystery of the Divine Providence, the Incarnation of God the Word, and His condescension toward the humble and feeble humanity, which took place at the Grotto of Bethlehem.

This means that God is close, near us, as the psalmist says, “Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth” (Ps.119,151). And elsewhere, according to the prophet Jeremiah, “Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off?” (Jeremiah 23,23). This God, Who is near, is the Sun of Righteousness and the God of peace, born of the Father without seed and became incarnate from the Virgin at the end of times.

Yes, my dear brethren, our neighbouring Bethlehem is preparing to receive in its cave the Saviour and Redeemer of the world, from the pure flesh of the Ever-Virgin Mary and Most Blessed Theotokos. Let us also prepare the “cave” of our hearts to receive the God of love and peace in the Holy Spirit. And along with Saint John of Damascus let us say: “To thy servants’ hymns incline O Benefactor, bring low the haughty pride of the adversary; O Blessed One, that lookest down and seest all; Keep us above sin, whoever sing Thy praises, steadfast and unmoved on the foundation of faith” (Christmas Matins, Ode 3, 2nd Rule, Heirmos). [In other words, Lord, the benefactor Who sees everything in our lives and are truly blessed, consent to Your servants’ hymns. Humble our pride enemy the devil and lead us who praise You to rise above sin, keeping us steadfastly on the foundation of faith]. Amen. Many happy returns and a blessed Christmas!”

The Divine Liturgy was followed by a procession inside and around the Church.

A meal was offered at noon, which the Priests and carers of the Church attended.

The feast was also celebrated at the Holy Church of Saint Nikolaos in Jerusalem near the Patriarchate.

Great Vespers on Monday afternoon and the Divine Liturgy on Tuesday Morning were officiated by Metropolitan Isychios of Capitolias, with the co-celebration of the Elder Dragoman Archimandrite Mattheos, Archimandrite Claudius, and Priest Nectarios. The chanting was delivered by Archbishop Dimitrios of Lydda, Archimandrite Christodoulos, and the Patriarchal School of Zion students. The Services were attended by many faithful Christians and representatives of the Greek Consulate General in Jerusalem.

After the Divine Liturgy, the renovator and good keeper of the Church Archdeacon Mark hosted a reception for all at the Hegoumeneion and the courtyard of the Holy Church.

Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem

Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem urged for ceasefire in Gaza in light of Christmas

NewsRoom — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 06:59:08 +0000

In a gathering at the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches along with Ambassadors, Consul-Generals and Representatives of diplomatic missions assembled to address the challenges faced in the Holy Land, especially in light of the approaching Christmas season. The Patriarch of Jerusalem, opened the session with a message of hope and spiritual significance, invoking the words from the Gospel of Saint John. Amid the cordial atmosphere, the Patriarch urged for a ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the need to protect community service institutions.

Expressing concerns about the challenges faced by Christians in the Holy Land, including systematic attacks by radical Israeli groups, the Patriarch of Jerusalem called for preserving the multicultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious fabric of Jerusalem. He emphasized the importance of stability and secure Christian Quarters for the thriving coexistence of all residents. The Patriarch conveyed his wishes for a swift return of peace and a Christmas season marked by hope.

The gathering included discussions on the challenging situations in Gaza and Bethlehem. The Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, shared the dire circumstances in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of supporting those who choose to stay in the besieged Strip. The Custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Patton, stressed the effects of Israel’s military closures and the subsequent economic challenges in Bethlehem, underlining the significance of connectivity between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Various Christian spiritual leaders conveyed messages of peace and discussed pressing issues, such as the pressure on Christian schools to change their curriculum into an Israeli one, which was expressively articulated by the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, Husam Naom. The issue of the illegitimate Israeli municipal taxes over Church property was also highlighted, and the need for international support to navigate challenges faced by the Holy Land Christians.

In response, diplomatic representatives expressed support, with Jordan, the EU, Egypt, and France affirming their commitment to engagement and assistance. The meeting highlighted the urgent call for a ceasefire to ensure a peaceful Christmas celebration and reiterated the importance of diplomatic collaboration to address ongoing challenges in the Holy Land.

Representatives of institutions of Armenian community in Jerusalem visited Patriarch Theophilos

NewsRoom — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 08:53:34 +0000

Representatives of institutions of the Armenian community in Jerusalem engaged in a momentous visit to the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, where, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, graciously received them. The meeting served as a platform for community representatives to express gratitude, discuss recent existential challenges, and seek guidance from the Patriarch.

In light of recent adversities stemming from the aggressive actions of Israeli radicals, the Armenian community highlighted the lack of restraint by the Israeli police. The source of contention revolves around an illegitimate land deal concerning Church property, mirroring a situation akin to that of the Orthodox Patriarchate Jaffa Gate properties.

During the meeting, the community representatives extended their gratitude to Patriarch Theophilos and presented an official letter outlining the complexities they face. They passionately appealed for assistance in resolving the issues, acknowledging H.B.’s pivotal role in safeguarding the interests of the Christian community in Jerusalem.

In response, Patriarch Theophilos expressed his awareness of the challenges faced by the Armenian community and assured them of His commitment to providing support. The Patriarch of Jerusalem recommended that the community should collaborate closely with their spiritual leadership, emphasizing the imperative of unity among Christian communities to fortify the Christian presence in the Holy Land.

Patriarch Theophilos extended His blessings to the Armenian community, lauding their courageous initiative in addressing the prevailing challenges. As the meeting concluded, the Patriarch conveyed His heartfelt wishes for a blessed Christmas season, fostering a spirit of hope and solidarity among the Christian brethren in Jerusalem.

This interaction stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of Patriarch Theophilos to advocate for unity, peace, and justice within the fervent Christian communities of the Holy Land.