The Holy Synod of Jerusalem convened at the Patriarchate in Jerusalem on Thursday, March 6, 2025 (Gregorian calendar), corresponding to February 21 (Julian calendar). The session was presided over by the Patriarch of Jerusalem, with the participation of the members of the Holy Synod.
Patriarch Theophilos together with the members of the Holy Synod, deliberated on various administrative, ecclesiastical, and pastoral matters concerning the Patriarchate, its monasteries, churches, clergy, and faithful. At the outset, Patriarch Theophilos and the members observed a moment of silence and prayer for the repose of the late Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, whose distinguished role in the Orthodox world, esteemed ecclesiastical standing, and tireless dedication to preserving the unity of the Orthodox Church were commended. Patriarch Theophilos also acknowledged his significant contributions to the revitalization of the Orthodox Church in Albania through his wisdom and faith. Additionally, prayers were offered in remembrance of the late Archimandrite Ierotheos, the former Abbot of the Monastery of Saint Theodosius in Ubeidiya, in recognition of his long years of service to the Patriarchate and the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre.
Furthermore, Patriarch Theophilos extended heartfelt congratulations to Archbishop Aristarchos and His Eminence Archbishop Christophoros on their recovery from recent health challenges, wishing them continued strength and well-being in their service to the Church and the faithful.
Patriarch Theophilos also expressed his gratitude to Dr. Ramzi Khoury, Chairman of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, and its members for their vital role in reinstating and upholding the Status Quo at the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Their decisive action in reaffirming the customary ecclesiastical arrangements, as stipulated by the Status Quo prior to the disputes that arose during the 2020 Christmas season, was instrumental in restoring an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual respect among all parties involved.
Decisions of the Holy Synod
1. The appointment of Monk Ephraim as the administrator of the Monastery of Saint Theodosius in Ubeidiya.
2. The appointment of the Reverend Archimandrite Amphilochios as the Hegumen of the Monastery of Saint Charalambos in the Old City of Jerusalem, along with the transfer of the Reverend Archimandrite Kallistos to serve as an assisting priest at the central monastery church, the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen.
3. The induction of the Reverend Archimandrite Christodoulos as a member of the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre.
4. The formal congratulations extended to the Reverend Archimandrite Thaddeus on his graduation from the university with a degree in theology, alongside his appointment to serve at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
5. The approval of the ordination of the spiritual son Dawood Awad Dawood Dawood, first as a deacon and subsequently as a priest, with his assignment to the parish in Rafidia.
Additionally, Patriarch Theophilos briefed the members of the Holy Synod on the outcomes of the visit by the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Greek Minister of Culture to the Patriarchate. Patriarch Theophilos expressed gratitude to the Greek Foreign Minister for his keen interest in matters concerning the Patriarchate, particularly regarding the Monastery of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza, and for raising these concerns before international forums. Likewise, he thanked the Greek Minister of Culture for her support of the Patriarchate, including her efforts in overseeing various arrangements related to the Patriarchate’s Library and the Monastery of the Cross for advanced theological studies.
Conclusion of the Holy Synod
At the conclusion of the Synod’s proceedings, Patriarch Theophilos and the hierarchs raised their prayers for world peace and for the Holy Land, invoking divine blessings upon the faithful of the Jerusalem Church in the Holy Land and throughout the world. They extended their wishes for a spiritually fulfilling Lenten season, filled with divine grace and blessings. In anticipation of the Passion of Christ, they prayed that the light of His Resurrection, emanating from the Holy Sepulchre, may illuminate the hearts of the sorrowful, offering them divine consolation and peace.
Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem
