Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem Theophilos III visited the Monastery of St. Georgios in the city of Acre, accompanied by His Eminence Metropolitan Kyriakos of Nazareth, the General Secretary of the Patriarchate Archbishop Aristarchus, the Metropolitan of Jordan, Archbishop Christophoros, and a group of the esteemed clergy. The patriarchal envoy was received by Archimandrite Silwanos, the deputy of the Patriarchal Vicar in Acre, the venerable fathers, the pastors of the churches, and Mr. Fouad Breik, the head of the Church Council in Acre, as well as the heads and members of the pastoral councils.
During the Divine Liturgy, the Patirarch spoke in his sermon about the concept of divine love and zeal that operates in the Church, which the blessed Archimandrite Philotheus possessed through his service to his parish, demonstrating in words his paternalism, his honesty, his ecclesiastical and monastic morals, his close affiliation with the Jerusalem Patriarchate and the brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre. He also talked about his liturgical and church chanting talent, which moved the believers’ souls to praise and glorification, expressing that his sudden death left a void and sadness in the hearts of everyone who knew him, affirming our hope that he cherished the true vine in Christ, praying to the compassionate God to immerse himself in the trials of the saints.
The Patirarch continued, saying, “The divine grace, through the Holy Spirit, visited the Holy Church in this historic city, through the decision of the Holy Synod to appoint Archimandrite Silwanos to this high position, to carry his message and responsibilities.” A verse, advising him to always remember what the Apostle Paul said to his student Timothy, the apostle Paul gave this strong command: “But flee youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22)
After the Patirarch held the fortieth day memorial service for the blessed soul of late Archimandrite Philotheos, he went with the accompanying delegation and the faithful to the main hall of the monastery, which from this day is called the “Hall of Archimandrite Philotheos” in his honor. Where a memorial ceremony was held, including a speech by the highly respected Archbishop of Jordan, Christophoros, on behalf of the Patriarch, in which he focused on the spiritual unity that we attained through the Divine Liturgy, as we unite with our risen God, it is our faith and our consolation. He also spoke about the social unity of the people of Acre, and the bond of love and coexistence embodied in preserving the common Christian and Islamic identity. Moving forward to advance the church and the community.
Other speeches were delivered by His Eminence Sheikh Samir Assi, Father Samer Zaknoun from the Maronite Church, Mr. Iskandar Suleiman from the Galilee Choir, Mrs. Salma Hazboun, and Miss Rania of Sunday Schools, Mrs. Siham Mansi on behalf of the Ladies of St. Grace and Mr. Fouad Brik. Through it, they express the importance of moving through the Lord with the hope of resurrection and eternal life, and the spiritual and architectural work of the Blessed One of the Church and his good social and human sense in the Acre community.
After the end of the memorial service, Archimandrite Silwanos and the head of the Church Council, Mr. Fuad Barik, hosted the Patriarch and the accompanying delegation and the attendees to a lunch in the monastery, where the meeting was distinguished by the atmosphere of love and comfort.
Towards the end of the visit, the Patriarch and the accompanying delegation bid farewell to the attendees, thanking everyone for the warm reception, hospitality, and the spirit of love that brought the pastor together with his children and flock.
Source and photo: Patriarchate of Jerusalem
