The Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem convened on Thursday, August 13, 2026, under the presidency of Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, and adopted a series of decisions concerning the Patriarchate’s administration and pastoral ministry.
Among other matters, the Synod approved clerical appointments and transfers, examined the operation and protection of the Holy Places, discussed preparations for the 2,000th anniversary of the Baptism of Jesus Christ in 2030, and received an update on the International Orthodox University at the Baptism Site.
The agenda also included the situation in the Holy Land and the Middle East, pilgrims’ access to the Holy Places, Patriarch Theophilos’s visits to the United States, Greece, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and the Gaza Strip, as well as reports from the Patriarchal representations in Cyprus and Athens.
The Synod also approved amendments to the Patriarchate’s Christian Family Law and a new framework regulating the licensing of attorneys appearing before ecclesiastical courts in Jordan.
Prayers for Peace in the Middle East
Patriarch Theophilos and the members of the Synod prayed for peace and stability in the Holy Land and throughout the Middle East, as well as for the protection of the region’s peoples.
The Synod reaffirmed the Patriarchate’s commitment to supporting its clergy and faithful and to fulfilling the historic mission of the Church of Jerusalem in the Holy Land.
Commemoration of Archimandrites Hilarion, Sergios, and Timotheos
During the meeting, the Synod prayerfully commemorated Archimandrites Hilarion, Sergios, and Timotheos, members of the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre.
The Patriarch paid particular tribute to Archimandrite Hilarion of blessed memory, who served numerous parishes and ministered at the Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor for 36 years. His service, it was noted, contributed significantly to the flourishing of the monastery and the strengthening of its spiritual ministry.
The Operation of the Holy Places
The Synod received a comprehensive account of recent feasts and ecclesiastical celebrations at the Holy Places, several of which took place under particularly difficult circumstances.
Measures were discussed to protect the Holy Places, maintain their liturgical and pastoral life, and facilitate access for the faithful, pilgrims, and visitors.
Patriarch Theophilos’s Visits
The Patriarch briefed the Synod on his recent official visit to the United States, his meeting with President Donald Trump, and the discussions held during his stay.
He also presented the outcome of his visit to Greece and the meetings held there concerning the mission, standing, and responsibilities of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
Particular reference was made to his visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and his fraternal meeting with His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Their discussions focused on developments affecting the Orthodox Church, the challenges confronting the Christian presence in the Holy Land, and the protection of the Holy Places.
The Patriarch also referred to his pastoral visit to the Gaza Strip, where he met members of the parish, stood alongside them, and offered prayer, consolation, and steadfast hope in Christ. He praised their courage and devotion to the Church despite the severe trials they continue to endure.
The 2030 Celebrations at the Baptism Site
The Synod discussed preparations for the 2030 commemoration of the 2,000th anniversary of the Baptism of Jesus Christ at the Baptism Site on the Jordan River.
The hierarchs welcomed the initiative of the Churches and the response of His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of Jordan, the Hashemite Custodian of the Islamic and Christian Holy Sites in the Holy Land. They also expressed their gratitude to the King and the Jordanian government for their support.
The Patriarchate will participate fully in preparations for the anniversary celebrations at the Baptism Site.
The International Orthodox University
The Patriarch underscored the importance of inaugurating the International Orthodox University at the Baptism Site.
According to the briefing, the university will focus on academic, theological, and cultural education and will serve as a forum for dialogue and cooperation among Churches, peoples, and cultures.
Patriarch Theophilos thanked the King and the Jordanian government for their patronage and support of the new institution.
The Patriarchal Representations in Cyprus and Athens
The Synod reviewed reports from His Eminence Metropolitan Timotheos of Bostra, representative of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem in Cyprus. The reports concerned the activities of the Patriarchal representation, the challenges it faces, its financial affairs, and submitted requests and proposals. The material was referred to the competent committee for further consideration.
The Synod also reviewed reports submitted by Archimandrite Ieronymos, representative of the Patriarchate in Athens. The requests and proposals contained in the reports were approved.
Appointments and Transfers
Archimandrite Ignatios, spiritual head of Beit Jala and abbot of the Monastery of the Shepherds in Beit Sahour, was appointed a member of the Holy Synod of Jerusalem.
Archimandrite Raphael was transferred and appointed custodian of the sacred vessels at the Church of the Seminary in Bethlehem. Archimandrite Polycarpos was appointed assistant to His Eminence the Metropolitan of Jordan and presiding priest of the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Abdali.
Archimandrite Dionysios was appointed abbot of the Monastery of Saint George in Lydda, while Archimandrite Markellos was appointed abbot of the Monastery of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor.
Archimandrite Symeon was appointed representative of the Patriarchate to the General Secretariat of Orthodox Youth in Jordan.
Deacon Paisios Madanat will be ordained to the priesthood at the Baptism Site. Deacon Ioannis (John) Avtinokov will also be ordained to the priesthood and appointed to serve the Russian-speaking faithful in the Acre region.
Deacon Athanasios was appointed to serve at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, while Monk Damaskinos was received into the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre.
Dionysios Novikov will be ordained to the diaconate and appointed to serve in the Haifa region. Father Boulos Allam was transferred and appointed as a rotating priest at the Monastery of Saint George in Al-Khader.
Changes to Family Law and the Licensing of Attorneys
The Synod approved amendments submitted by His Eminence Metropolitan Christophoros, President of the Court of Appeal, to the provisions on wills and adoption in the Christian Family Law of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which was adopted in 2023.
It also approved a law regulating the licensing of attorneys practising before the ecclesiastical courts of the Patriarchate in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
The law establishes the requirements and procedures for granting licences and reorganises those previously issued. It will enter into force following its ratification by the Patriarch of Jerusalem and formal promulgation.
Wishes for the Feast of the Dormition
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Patriarch and the members of the Synod prayed for peace throughout the world, the steadfastness of the Church, and the well-being of the peoples of the Holy Land.
Patriarch Theophilos called upon the faithful to observe the Dormition Fast as a period of repentance, prayer, and spiritual preparation.
He encouraged them to contemplate the obedience and humility of the Theotokos and to turn towards Christ.
The Holy Synod extended its prayerful wishes to the children of the Church of Jerusalem in the Holy Land and throughout the world for a blessed fast and a holy feast filled with peace, faith, hope, and love.
