On Wednesday, 7 January 2026, the solemn Despotic Feast of the Nativity of Christ was celebrated, the Feast of Feasts and Metropolis of all feasts.
The celebration commenced with the descent from the Gate of the Baptistery of the Patriarchal Commissioner, Metropolitan Hesychios of Capitolias, followed by the Service of Matins.
At the Kathisma, “Come, let us see, O faithful, where Christ was born,” the Patriarchal Procession, headed by Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III, emerged from the Gate of the Holy Altar. On his right stood the Vice-President of the State of Palestine, Mr Hussein Al-Sheikh, together with the Minister of the Interior of Jordan, and on his left the Consul General of Greece, Mr Dimitrios Angelosopoulos. The procession then proceeded through the Chapel of Saint Nicholas and entered the Grotto through its southern entrance.
There, the Gradual Psalms were chanted, and the Gospel passage was proclaimed: “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled…” (Luke 2:1 ff.), in Greek and in Arabic. Thereafter, the Patriarchal Christmas Message was delivered in Greek by the Elder Chief Secretary, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, and in Arabic by the Press Representative, Priest Issa Musleh.
This was followed by the veneration of the Star and the Grotto by the Patriarch and the Patriarchal Procession, the exit through the northern gate, and a thrice-performed procession through the aisles of the Basilica, culminating in a supplication in the central nave. Subsequently, while the hymn “Thy Nativity, O Christ our God…” was chanted, the Divine Liturgy were celebrated both in the Katholikon and in the Grotto.
The Divine Liturgy in the Katholikon was presided over by Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III, along with their Eminences the Archbishops Theophanes of Gerash, Aristarchos of Constantina, Dimitrios of Lydda, Nektarios of Anthedon, and Philoumenos of Pella; Holy Sepulchre Hieromonks; local Priests; the representative of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem (MISSIA); the representative of the Patriarchate of Romania, Archimandrite Ioan Meiu; Priests from the neighbouring areas of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour; other Priests from the occupied territories; and Priests of other Orthodox Churches.
The chanting was rendered on the right, in Greek, by Deacon Efstathios and the students of the Patriarchal School of Zion, and on the left by the Arabic-speaking choir of Bethlehem under Mr Lawrence Samour. A great multitude of devout faithful from all of Bethlehem participated, while present was also the Ambassador of Cyprus in Ramallah, Mr Marios Stavrou.
The festive Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom continued with deep compunction until 3.30 in the morning, in accordance with the Status Quo, during which time the Divine Liturgy was also celebrated in the Grotto by the Patriarchal Commissioner, Metropolitan Hesychios of Capitolias.
Following the Dismissal of the Divine Liturgy, a festive meal was offered by the Hegumen, Metropolitan Benedictos of Diocaesarea.
After the departure of the Patriarch, the Elder Dragoman, Archimandrite Mattheos, remained. In the morning, he went in the Grotto and celebrated the appointed service, glorifying God for the conclusion of such a grace-filled Feast.
Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem
