On Monday, May 24, 2021, the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem met in an ordinary Session, chaired by Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, addressed pastoral and pilgrimage issues of the Patriarchate and made some decisions.
The Synod decided the upgrading to a Shrine of the Holy Monastery of Saint John the Baptist on the East Bank of the River Jordan, with the name “Pilgrimage Holy Monastery of Theophany.” The Monastery was constructed by the care and funding of Metropolitan Benedict of Diocaesarea.
It also announced the ordination to deacon and afterwards to priest of Issa Ibrahim Hadad, in order to serve at the parishes of the Patriarchate’s flock in Jordan.
The Synod decided the tonsure to monk and afterwards the ordination to priest of Athanasios Kirmitsakis, subject to the application of the provisions laid down by the sacred rules in the case of being the head of the family. Kirmitsakis has been serving at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for the last two years.
Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem