On Saturday, September 18, 2021, a group of Orthodox Russian-speaking Christians from Ashdod of central Israel visited Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, accompanied by Archbishop Aristovoulos of Madaba, who is the President of the Committee for the care of the Russian-speaking flock.
The group requested from the Patriarch to found a parish in their town and appoint a priest for the service of their spiritual needs, especially the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.
The Patriarch received the Christians in fatherly love and gave them his patriarchal blessing, that they may gather in a commonplace to keep the Church services, in consultation with the local authorities.
The Patriarch appointed Geronda Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, to communicate with the Department of Christian Affairs of the Ministry of Interior to forward the Christians’ petition and the legal coverage of their spiritual needs, as they are citizens of the State of Israel.
Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem