On Tuesday, 6th May 2025, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem celebrated the feast of Saint George the Great Martyr and Trophy-Bearer.
This feast and this Saint are among the most popular in the Holy Land, due to his maternal origin from the city of Lydda, where his tomb is located, the many miracles he performed, and the reverence he inspires—not only among Christians but also among followers of other religions in the region.
Saint George lived during the early, glorious years of the spread of Christianity (3rd century AD). Initially serving as an officer under the Roman Emperor Decius and later under Diocletian, he stood out for his social character and service to others, as well as for his physical and spiritual courage, stemming from his Christian devotion. A native of Cappadocia, born to Christian parents and educated in both secular and Christian learning, he laboured for the spread of the faith and the defence of Christians. He did not deny Christ, and around the year 284, he was executed by beheading under Emperor Diocletian in Rome, after enduring many severe and horrific tortures. Before and after his repose, the Holy Spirit deemed him worthy of miraculous gifts.
For this feast, among many other celebrations in the villages under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate, solemn festivities were held in Jerusalem:
At the Patriarchate’s Holy Monastery dedicated to him in the Jewish Quarter, which has traditionally served as a hostel for scholarly monks and pilgrims, Vespers was celebrated in the evening, and the Divine Liturgy in the morning. His Eminence Archbishop Theophanes of Gerash presided, with the Master of Ceremonies Archimandrite Bartholomew concelebrating, along with Archimandrites Claudius and Amphilochios, and Hierodeacon Dositheos. Faithful from Jerusalem and devout pilgrims also participated.
After the conclusion of the feast, the Hegumen and caretaker of the Monastery, Hierodeacon Dositheos, offered refreshments to the Episcopal entourage and the faithful.
2. At the Holy Monastery of Saint George of the Hospital, adjacent to the north-eastern wing of the Patriarchate and formerly housing a hospital established by Patriarch Chrysanthos of Jerusalem, Vespers was celebrated in the evening and the Divine Liturgy in the morning. His Eminence Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina presided, with Archimandrites Christodoulos and Philoumenos, and Hierodeacon Eulogios concelebrating. Hierodeacon Symeon and the Athonite monk Joseph chanted, and a significant number of monks, nuns, and faithful attended, honouring the beloved and wonderworking Saint George. The Reverend Abbess, Nun Pansemni, hosted the Episcopal entourage and congregation afterwards.
3. At the Holy Monastery of Saint George in Al Khader, located in the vicinity of Bethlehem and near the Patriarchate’s olive groves, Vespers was celebrated in the evening and the Divine Liturgy in the morning. His Eminence Metropolitan Benedictos of Diosaesarea, Patriarchal Representative in Bethlehem, presided. Concelebrating were; the Hegumen of the Monastery of the Shepherds in Beit Sahour and Head of the Church in Betjala, Archimandrite Ignatios, the Exarch of the Holy Sepulchre in Athens, Archimandrite Hieronymos, Arabic-speaking priests from the greater Bethlehem and Jerusalem region. The service was attended by the Consul General of Greece in Jerusalem, Mr Dimitrios Angelosopoulos, along with officials of the Palestinian Authority.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a procession with the Holy Icon took place, and a festive reception was held. The Hegumen, Archimandrite Porphyrios, hosted the Episcopal entourage and the congregation.
This coming Saturday, with the blessing of Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, the Feast of Saint George the Trophy-Bearer will be celebrated by transfer in the city of Acre in northern Israel, for pastoral reasons.
Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem
