The Patriarchate of Jerusalem celebrated the feast of the Holy Hieromartyr Haralambos on Wednesday, February 23, 2022.
On this feast, the Church according to the Synaxarion commemorates Saint Haralambos, a Priest from Magnesia of Thessaly during the reign of Severus and Governor Lukianus. In AD 198 he confessed to Christ, refused to offer a sacrifice to the idols, and patiently endured torture, beating, and tearing of his flesh which concluded to his beheading.
The Church of Jerusalem honored Saint Haralambos for his faith and martyrdom for Christ at the Holy Monastery dedicated to him which is located at the end of Via Dolorosa before the Horrendous Golgotha.
In honor of Saint Haralambos there was Vespers on Tuesday afternoon and the Divine Liturgy on Wednesday morning, officiated by Metropolitan Joachim of Helenoupolis, along with Archimandrite Klaudios, Archdeacon Mark, and Priests Haralambos (Farah) and Nectarios. The chanting was delivered by Hierodeacon Simeon and Gotsopoulos with the Patriarchal School Students. The Service was attended by Nuns and laity from Jerusalem, praying for the Saint’s protection from covid-19, as during previous plagues the Saint was proven to be a strong helper and healer. The feast was honored by the presence of the Consul General of Greece in Jerusalem Evangelos Vlioras.
The Patriarch of Jerusalem also came to the Liturgy for veneration, accompanied by Hagiotaphite Fathers.
The Patriarchal and Episcopal entourages as well as the congregation were offered a reception by the good keeper of the Monastery, Hegoumen Archimandrite Kallistos.
Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem