In a gesture of profound respect for the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and its invaluable work, often carried out under exceptionally difficult, complex, and painful circumstances, President of the Hellenic Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas conferred the insignia of Senior Commander of the Order of Honour upon Archbishop Alexios of Tiberias, and the Gold Cross of the Order of Honour upon Archimandrite Silas. The decorations were awarded during a special ceremony held at the Presidential Mansion, attended by Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and All Greece.
Mr Tasoulas reaffirmed that ‘Greece will continue to stand resolutely alongside the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre, as well as all those who serve the cause of peace and love for humanity with faith and self-sacrifice’.
He noted that, “With particular emotion and deep respect, we are today honouring two worthy servants of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre”. He added that their absence from today’s ceremony, due to circumstances beyond their control, does not diminish the significance of the honour bestowed upon them by the Hellenic Republic. In fact, their absence further highlights the difficult and extraordinary circumstances in which they carry out their noble mission, making their contribution all the more precious and their example all the more inspiring.”
He further stressed that ‘this decoration is not merely an act of recognition of their personal ministry. It is also an expression of the Greek State’s profound respect for the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and for Your Beatitude personally. It recognises your stewardship of the uninterrupted presence of Orthodoxy in the Holy Land, as well as the invaluable work you perform there, often under exceptionally difficult, complex and painful conditions.”
He also pointed out that ‘in the place where human history and religious faith meet and engage in a unique dialogue, the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre has for centuries stood as a vigilant guardian of the Holy Shrines and as a witness to a tradition that extends beyond worship alone, a tradition of service, reconciliation, solidarity and the protection of the vulnerable, regardless of origin, religion or nationality’.
Turning to Archbishop Alexios of Tiberias, he remarked that ‘through his many years of service within the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, his devotion to the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre and his presence in the long-suffering Gaza Strip, he stands as a model of spirituality, responsibility and courage. With gentleness, bravery, and deep faith, he supports those enduring severe hardship, offering not only words of comfort, but also tangible protection and assistance.’ He added that, working alongside the archbishop, the Very Reverend Archimandrite Silas exemplifies the essence of monastic and priestly virtue: humble service, self-sacrifice, and a quiet yet courageous presence wherever the need is greatest.
He went on to say that, “Amid the tragic conditions being experienced in Gaza, their conduct takes on a special moral significance. Opening the doors of the Monastery of Saint Porphyrius to civilians, families, children, and all those seeking refuge from the horrors of war was a profoundly Christian and humane act.” He also argued that ‘within this environment, the living presence of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem carries a significance that transcends ecclesiastical boundaries. It serves as a stabilising factor and a bridge of communication and peace. Both honourees serve this mission in an exemplary manner through their work and their example.”
In conclusion, he emphasised that ‘their decoration by the Hellenic Republic is therefore but a modest token of honour and gratitude. Through them, we honour faith translated into action, love transformed into refuge, and the Greek Orthodox tradition that remains alive in the Holy Land, not as a remembrance of the past, but as an active force of humanity in the present, offering hope for a better future for the peoples of the region”.
The decorations were received on their behalf by Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, who was visibly moved and warmly thanked President Konstantinos Tasoulas and the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for this great honour bestowed upon the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre. He emphasised that this recognition gives them the strength to continue their mission as spiritual leaders and representatives of the Greek nation.
