Decisions of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem

This news is shared from the website of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

General Secretariat of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem

The Holy Synod of Jerusalem convened at the Patriarchate in Jerusalem on Thursday, March 6, 2025 (Gregorian calendar), corresponding to February 21 (Julian calendar). The session was presided over by His Beatitude Patriarch Kyrios Kyrios Theophilos III, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, and the Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches with the participation of the members of the Holy Synod.

His Beatitude, together with the members of the Holy Synod, deliberated on various administrative, ecclesiastical, and pastoral matters concerning the Patriarchate, its monasteries, churches, clergy, and faithful. At the outset, His Beatitude and the members observed a moment of silence and prayer for the repose of the late Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, whose distinguished role in the Orthodox world, esteemed ecclesiastical standing, and tireless dedication to preserving the unity of the Orthodox Church were commended. His Beatitude also acknowledged his significant contributions to the revitalization of the Orthodox Church in Albania through his wisdom and faith. Additionally, prayers were offered in remembrance of the late Archimandrite Ierotheos, the former Abbot of the Monastery of Saint Theodosius in Ubeidiya, in recognition of his long years of service to the Patriarchate and the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre.

Furthermore, His Beatitude extended heartfelt congratulations to His Eminence Archbishop Aristarchos and His Eminence Archbishop Christophoros on their recovery from recent health challenges, wishing them continued strength and well-being in their service to the Church and the faithful.

His Beatitude also expressed his gratitude to His Excellency Dr. Ramzi Khoury, Chairman of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, and its members for their vital role in reinstating and upholding the Status Quo at the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Their decisive action in reaffirming the customary ecclesiastical arrangements, as stipulated by the Status Quo prior to the disputes that arose during the 2020 Christmas season, was instrumental in restoring an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual respect among all parties involved.

Decisions of the Holy Synod

1. The appointment of Monk Ephraim as the administrator of the Monastery of Saint Theodosius in Ubeidiya…

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