Patriarch Theophilos III leads Forefeast of Theophany celebrations at Jerusalem and River Jordan, immersing the Precious Cross in blessing amid heavy rain.
Tag: Jerusalem Patriarchate
Tensions are mounting in the Orthodox Christian world as Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew publicly urged Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem to join the 1,700th anniversary celebration of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. Speaking at a vespers service in Istanbul, Bartholomew called for unity among the historic Pentarchy patriarchs, expressing concern over Theophilos’ silence on the event. The strained relations, compounded by Theophilos’ recent unannounced visit to Turkey and ties with Moscow, highlight a critical moment for Orthodox unity.
Archbishop Damianos of Sinai has initiated his succession process while sharply criticizing Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem for contributing to an “ecclesiastical coup” and deepening Orthodox divisions. Blaming the Moscow Patriarchate for global Orthodox discord, he calls for unity to protect the Sinai Monastery’s autonomy and sacred status amid an existential crisis.
Tensions have escalated at Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai, where Archbishop Damianos faced a confrontation with dissenting monks upon his arrival on August 26. Accusing them of attempting to seize control, the Archbishop, supported by loyal monks and Bedouins, expelled the rebels, declaring that the monastery has “returned to legality and normalcy.” The ongoing dispute, rooted in a vote by 15 monks to remove Damianos, has prompted intervention from the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, with a delegation set to address the crisis.
Greek authorities express alarm over Israeli settler encroachments on Greek Orthodox Church property in the West Bank, particularly near the historic Monastery of Saint Gerasimos near Jericho. Tensions rise as new settler outposts emerge following the 2023 Gaza conflict, while Greece and Egypt reaffirm cooperation and the safety of the Sinai Monastery.
In a move to restore peace at the Holy Monastery of Sinai, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem has announced the Patriarchate’s intervention. Responding to Archbishop Kyrillos Damianos’ appeal, a three-member delegation will mediate to resolve the ongoing dispute among the monks, emphasizing reconciliation and the spiritual authority of the Orthodox Church.
On July 18, 2025, Patriarch Theophilos III and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa visited Gaza to support its suffering population amid a 21-month humanitarian crisis. Their joint mission, a powerful symbol of Christian unity, follows attacks on Gaza’s churches and aims to deliver aid and hope while calling for an immediate ceasefire.
During a visit to Jerusalem, SYRIZA-PS president Socrates Famellos met with Patriarch Theophilos III to discuss the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for an immediate ceasefire. Emphasizing the shared values of peace and hope between the Church and the Left, Famellos called for renewed international efforts toward a two-state solution, protection of Christian communities, and the preservation of Holy Sites in the region.
The Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemned attacks on pilgrims during the Holy Fire ceremony on April 19, 2025, accusing Israeli police of turning the city into a “militarized zone” and blocking access to holy sites. The Patriarchate called for peace and justice in the Holy Land.
Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Loverdos will travel to Jerusalem on Holy Saturday to receive the Holy Fire from Patriarch Theophilos III at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, continuing a longstanding Orthodox Easter tradition. The sacred flame will be flown to Athens for nationwide distribution.
On Clean Wednesday, March 5, 2025, His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem presided over the Divine Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, accompanied by bishops, priests, monks, nuns, and pilgrims. The service was followed by a tour of the sacred sites led by His Eminence Archbishop Isidoros, with Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni joining the delegation.
The Jerusalem Patriarchate sent an appeal on July 4 to the international community and the…
