On Thursday, June 20, 2024, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem welcomed several visitors, beginning with Father Mark of the Austrian Hospice Foundation and ten volunteers from Austria. The Patriarch discussed the pastoral and cultural activities of the Patriarchate from its inception to AD 638 during the time of Patriarch Sophronius of Jerusalem, extending to the present day within the contexts of Israel, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, and Qatar. He highlighted the ecclesiastical jurisdiction and the recognized privileges of each Patriarch of Jerusalem throughout history.
Later, the Patriarch met with George Noll, the General Diplomatic Representative of the American Embassy in Israel for Palestinian Affairs, along with his colleague. He elaborated on the Patriarchate’s work within the Palestinian Authority and Gaza and emphasized the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ.
Next, the Patriarch had a discussion with Ode Kawas, head of the Arabic-speaking Schools of the Patriarchate, regarding the issues faced by these schools. He also met with teacher Panayiotan Kafetji to discuss the directions for teaching the Greek language within the Arabic-speaking community of the Patriarchate and at the Patriarchal School of Saint Dimitrios. Additionally, Dib Youssef and his spouse visited to present their Arabic translation of the work of the late professor Fr. Georgios Kapsanis, Hegoumen of the Monastery of Gregoriou in Mount Athos.
The Patriarch then received the head of the Yaffo community, Fr. Konstanti, followed by Archimandrite Parthenios, Abbot of the Monastery of Prophet Elisha in Jericho, who invited him to the monastery’s celebration on June 14th.
In the evening, Patriarch Theophilos blessed a gathering of Orthodox Scouts at the Notre Dame Hotel. The event was attended by the Consul General of Greece in Jerusalem, Dimitrios Angelosopoulos, the Ambassador of Cyprus to the Palestinian Authority, Assos, and the former Director of the Supreme Ecclesiastical Committee of the Palestinian Authority, Hana Amire. This “Leaders Inauguration Ceremony” marked the establishment of the Local Council of Jerusalem. The Patriarch encouraged the Scouts’ activities, which bolster the Christian presence in the Holy Land through participation in Church ceremonies, especially on Holy Saturday. Awards of excellence were presented to distinguished Scouts for their contributions to various humanitarian activities.
