From the Secretariat-General of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem

On Sunday, February 26/March 10, 2024, the commemoration of the Holy Martyr Porphyrios, Bishop of Gaza, was celebrated by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem in the Holy Monastery named after him in the currently afflicted city of Gaza.

On this Feast, the whole Church, especially that of Jerusalem, remembers that Saint Porphyrios, originally from Thessalonica, came to the Holy Land and was ordained a Priest and then Bishop of Gaza. At the imperial command, he destroyed the last stronghold of the national idolatry in Gaza and consecrated a Holy Church along with the Christian presence in Gaza through the centuries.

Today's Gospel passage (Jn. 3:14-21) is a wonderful summary and gives us a deeper interpretation of the Lenten journey we have been on.

Two keys of analysis have accompanied us in the past Sundays.

The first is the one of revelation: During Easter, God fully reveals himself. It is right there, in his death and resurrection, that we find the ultimate revelation of his face. And we can finally fulfill our longing to have a relationship with Him.

The second, which we encountered last Sunday, is the one of reversal: the revelation of how God operates in a contradicting the human way and reason. We saw how God overturned the tables.

From the Secretariat-General of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem

Following the order of the Triodion, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem dedicated Saturday, February 25/March 9, 2024, as a day of prayer for the repose of souls.

To this end, on Friday afternoon, in the Monastic and Patriarchal Church of Saints Constantine and Helen, the Canon for the departed was chanted and a memorial prayer was recited, led by His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, with the Prayer for the repose of the Holy Sepulchre Patriarchs of Jerusalem, High Priests, Priests, monks and nuns who have been sleeping in the Lord for centuries.

The Armenian Prelacy of Lebanon joyfully reinstated the cherished tradition of inviting His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and MECC Honorary President, to preside over the Mid-Lent sunrise service (Arevakal) at St. Nichan Cathedral on March 6th, 2024.

Members of the Cilician Brotherhood and the seminarians accompanied His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, while Armenian high school students and members of the Diocesan executive council joined the faithful.

John 2:13-25

Last Sunday, we went up to Mount Tabor, where Jesus revealed His face as the beloved Son (Mark 9:2-10). We saw that the disciples Peter, James, and John were with him, as well as Moses, and Elijah, who appeared before them. Those two prophets who, during their lives, also participated in an epiphany, a transfiguration: they went up a mountain, where God made himself present, but without ever seeing him face to face, but rather only from behind, after the Lord had passed over.

However, on Mount Tabor, God reveals his face, and he does so in Jesus. In His story, and especially in His Passover, God makes himself known.

Today this process of the unveiling of this revelation takes a further step.

We are at the beginning of John's Gospel (John 2:13-25), where we find an episode that the Synoptics put immediately after Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem instead of at the end of their narrative.

The episode is the so-called cleansing of the temple.

In a new interview with Vatican News, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem repeats his appeal for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, calling on both sides to make compromises.

By Federico Piana and Joseph Tulloch

“A ceasefire in Gaza is more urgent than ever.”That's the latest appeal for peace launched by His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.

Speaking to Vatican News' Federico Piana, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa stressed that a ceasefire is possible: “All that’s missing is the will to make it happen.”

In the course of the interview, the Patriarch also touched on the “fragile” situation of Gaza’s Christians, and the role the Church might play in peace negotiations.

On March 3rd, 2024, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, celebrated the Holy Qurobo at Saint Mary Church in Guatemala. The Holy Qurobo was attended by the faithful from the Syrian Community in Guatemala.

TAYBEH - On Friday, March 1st, 2024, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided over a Mass at Christ the Redeemer Church, during which he appointed members of the General Secretariat, and members of the committees for the Christian Youth in Palestine, in the presence of the founder of the Christian Youth in Palestine, His Beatitude Former Patriarch Michel Sabbah, and several priests, religious sisters, youth, as well as the faithful. 

In his homily, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa addressed his words to the youth of Palestine, saying: “Now is the most urgent time to cling to prayer and hope,” adding: “Today you renew your promise before God to continue serving the Church and the youth, and therefore you must pray without ceasing until your hearts become like the heart of Jesus, shining with true light".

“Together to rebuild the Cathedral of the Apostles Peter and Paul in Antioch”

Balamand - Lebanon, March 1, 2024.

His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches for the Orthodox Family, received a delegation from Antioch, including Archimandrite Paulus Orduloglu, his Vicar in Antioch, Mr. Fadi Hurigil, the president of the association, and architect Buse Ceren Gul, at the Patriarchal Headquarters in Balamand. His Beatitude Patriarch John X was briefed by the delegation on the general situation and on the reconstruction and relief efforts in Antioch and the surrounding areas following the earthquake on February 6, 2023. His Beatitude the Patriarch closely examined the progress regarding the removal of debris and the reconstruction of the Cathedral of the Apostles Peter and Paul in Antioch, including plans and permits. His Beatitude Patriarch John X emphasized that the Cathedral of the Apostles has been and will remain the historical heart of the Church of Antioch and All the East, and that its reconstruction is entrusted for the Christian presence deeply rooted in the East.

Residents in and around Aleppo live life on the brink of disaster

by Emily Enders Odom, Mission Communications | Special to Presbyterian News Service

LOUISVILLE — Bernadette thought that she had seen the worst of it.

For well over a decade, she and her family had unflinchingly withstood Syria’s ever-worsening humanitarian and economic crisis, the country’s ongoing localized hostilities and its collapsing infrastructure.

But then — following the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Syria and Turkey in February 2023 — the longtime school supervisor’s own home began crumbling beneath her very feet.

“How many conflicts and massacres have we witnessed, always tragic and always pointless?” the Pope asks. “Let us all take up the cry for peace."

By Joseph Tulloch

The dire geopolitical situation in Armenia, the importance of collaboration with the country’s Orthodox Church, and the need for bishops to be close to their flocks.

These were the themes at the centre of Pope Francis’ address to the Bishops of the Armenian Catholic Church on Wednesday morning.

As the Pope is recovering from a cold, his speech was read aloud by Msgr. Filippo Ciampanelli, an official at the Vatican’s Secretariat of State.

A 'tragic and pointless' war

Last year, more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians were forced to flee the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave after a military offensive carried out by neighbouring Azerbaijan. There are fears that another attack may follow.

JUBEIHA - From Friday, February 23rd, until Sunday, February 25th, 2024, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, spent three days with the parishioners of Jubeiha, during which he learned more about the life of the parish and the area in general.

The visit began with the welcoming of H.B. Card. Pierbattista Pizzaballa and the delegation accompanying him by Fr. Samer Madanat, parish priest of Jubeiha, Fr. Giacomo Dainotti, assistant priest, Deacon Basel Brancy, the sisters of the parish, as well as the Pastoral Council, heads of the Pastoral Activities, and the Scouts, at the entrance of the church. He blessed the faithful with the Holy Water, before presiding over a Mass at the church of Saint Paul the Apostle.

“I come to you with a great desire and passion to learn more about the reality of the parish of Jubeiha,” said H.B. Card. Pizzaballa, in his homily. “My main goal is to listen to your needs and to learn about the various pastoral activities that I always hear about so that I can bear witness to God’s work among you.” Commenting on the Gospel, he urged the parish to maintain the bonds of love between the family, saying: “God consecrated the family unit to reflect the image of His eternal love for humanity. Hence this love must always be present and apparent in your families. Despite the challenges, that may face the family unit, in our day and age, you must not forget the presence of God among you. That’s how you can overcome all challenges. Let us pray by asking God to protect the families of this parish so that you can be a source of light in your communities”.

Pan-Armenian fundraising for the Center for the Preservation of Artsakh’s cultural heritage was initiated on February 20th, 2024 and will continue until March 23rd, 2024. The center was established in response to Azerbaijan’s occupation of Artsakh and the destruction of its centuries-old cultural and spiritual heritage.

In an address on this occasion conveyed by HE Arch. Shahan Sarkissian, the director of the Cilicia Library, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, expresses the support of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia for this initiative, emphasizing the Holy See's advocacy for Artsakh and its people. His Holiness also underscores the cultural foundation's significance in preserving identity and urges material support to contribute practically to the revival of Artsakh's culture.

His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, together with His Highness Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, Chief Advisor to His Majesty the King of Jordan for Religious and Cultural Affairs, opened on Sunday, February 18, 2024 the Three Hierarchs Greek Orthodox Church, within the Orthodox Center project in Dibeen in Jerash Governorate, Jordan.

The opening of the new church was attended by Her Highness Princess Maryam Ghazi and the Patriarchal Representative of Amman His Eminence Archbishop Christophoros of Kyriakopolis, who said that the opening of the church coincides with the Kingdom’s celebrations of the silver jubilee of His Majesty the King of Jordan, King Abdullah II, stressing that Jordan is a living example of religious coexistence, and a haven for safety, security and stability.

Archbishop Christophoros continued that “the church will meet the needs of young people, and will be a place for holding conferences, meeting intellectually and culturally, and serving the local community.” He also expressed his thanks for the generous donation made by Mr. Issa Nassif Odeh to complete the construction of the church.

Mark 9:2-10

Today's Gospel passage invites us to take an important step in our Lenten journey.

Last Sunday, the story of the temptations brought light into lives, revealing that the Word of the Father desires to come down to knead with our everyday choices.

Today, the same light shines on the face of Jesus, revealing part of the mystery of God for us to know as much as we can.

The account of the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-10) takes us back to the beginning of our faith journey, to what makes it possible.

And that is, to the fact that we can believe by the simple fact that God reveals himself, that he makes himself known, that he shows us his Face.

In my reflection for this blog on 25 September 2023, I shared with you news about the 1500th Centennial Jubilee of Mor Philoxinous of Mabough. I would like to detail some activities that took place at the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch during 2023 in honour of this great saint Mor Philoxinous of Mabough.

In response to the call by His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, the Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, and despite the major earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria in February 2023, and the other ongoing uncertainties in the Middle East that took an unprecedented development in October 2023, which affected the world, adding to the woes in Europe of the war, the Syriac Orthodox community worldwide answered the call, and learned more about this great saint and savvy theologian throughout the year 2023.

The clergy, as always, were eager to teach and the faithful were very keen to know more about such a great saint.

For example, the St Ephraim Syrian Orthodox Church in Perth, Australia, under the leadership of V. Rev. Fr. Boutros Touma Issa, featured Mor Philoxinous of Mabough’s image on the 2023 calendar, providing a brief glimpse on this saint’s way of thinking. Also, the church published on its website a brochure on the life and writings of this great saint.

On February 22, 2024, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, visited His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches, at the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Damascus.

During the visit, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II and His Beatitude Patriarch John X discussed Church matters as well as the current situation in Syria and the region.

During a time of war, struggle, and pain, the World Council of Churches (WCC) is accompanying the Churches and the people in Palestine and [Israel] on their journey with Prayer, action, and hope for a better future.

On 18 February, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay preached at the Ascension Church on the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem. The sermon, based on the lectionary reading from Matthew 4:1-11, focused on the devil’s tempting of Jesus in the wilderness. 

Pillay pointed out that we all struggle at times with understanding and doing God’s will, and related this to the struggle in the Palestine context, especially now in the context of the war in Gaza. 

He called on people of faith to surrender like Jesus to the will of the Father and to be assured, even in the context of violence and uncertainty, that they can have security in Christ. 

World Council of Churches (WCC) General Secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay met with their Beatitudes the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem on 17 February, and was received with gratitude “at this difficult and complicated time for all the peoples of this region, and especially for the Christian community of the Holy Land,” said His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, in a welcome address. 

Your visit is of such importance, for you bring with you the attention of the World Council of Churches and its members to the situation here,” said His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III. “War and violence are always the consequence of human failure.”

But the Church proclaims a different truth, the Patriarch said. “In theological terms we affirm that hatred and darkness have no hypostasis; it is only light and life that have a true and enduring existence,” he said. “Death is not our mission.”

As Christians take our first steps on the Lenten path, His Holiness Pope Francis invites us to confront our inner struggles and to allow the voice of God to speak to our hearts.

By Linda Bordoni

On the first Sunday of Lent, His Holiness Pope Francis took his cue from the Gospel of Mark that presents us with Jesus tempted in the desert (Mk 1:12-15).

Speaking during the Angelus address, the Pope reflected on the symbolic significance of the wilderness, urging Christians to "enter the wilderness, that is, silence, the inner world, listening to the heart, in contact with the truth."