“We have come to shake the world with the joyful cry of Christ is Risen”

Latakia, May 25, 2024

Latakia, through its land, its people, its plains and mountains, its sea and sky, have welcomed its righteous son, 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.

Upon these words and at the invitation of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Shepherd of Latakia and its dependencies, His Eminence Metropolitan Athanasios (Fahd); His Beatitude Patriarch ), His Beatitude Patriarch John X arrived in the city of Latakia for a pastoral visit that marks important milestones of rebirth in the history of the diocese.

At the sound of ringing bells, while carrying church flags and welcoming banners, adding to that the music played by the scouts, the whole city of Latakia welcomed His Beatitude Patriarch John X in a popular march decorated with hymns and songs that embraced the joy of the Resurrection.

After the reception, His Beatitude held a thanksgiving prayer in St. George’s Cathedral with the participation of the bishops: Athanasios Fahd (Latakia), Basilios Mansour (Akkar); Silouan Oner (Great Britain); Nicolas Baalbaki (Hama); Efrem Maalouli (Aleppo and Alexandretta), Gregory Khoury (Homs); Antoninos Saad (Houran) and their Graces Bishops: Romanos Al-Hannat, Moussa Al-Khoury, Dimitri Sharbak, Youhanna Batash, Arsanios Dahdal, Moussa Al Khasi and a group of clergymen.

During his Regina Coeli address on the Solemnity of Pentecost, His Holiness Pope Francis urges faithful to ask themselves how well they listen to the Holy Spirit, and offers suggestions on how to better do so, including meditating on the Gospel daily and staying close to the Lord in Prayer.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

May we be docile to the voice of the Holy Spirit, His Holiness Pope Francis prayed this Solemnity of Pentecost during his noon Regina Coeli address in the Vatican.

As he addressed the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square from his window of the Apostolic Palace, the Pope recalled that today we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Mary and the Apostles.

From Secretariat-General of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem

On Monday, May 7/20, 2024, the feast of the appearance of the sign of the Cross in the heavens was celebrated by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

On this Feast, the whole Church and especially the Church of Jerusalem remembers that in the year 351 AD, on the day of Pentecost when Cyril was the Archbishop of Jerusalem, the Cross appeared in the sky, illuminated by the rays of the sun and was seen from the Mount of Olives as far as to the Horrendous Golgotha.

The inhabitants of Jerusalem of all ages saw this with surprise and joy and rushed out of their houses.

This wonderful event is described by Archbishop Cyril of Jerusalem in his letter to King Constantius, son of Constantine the Great.

Jn 15:26-27; 16:12-15

In the Gospel passage of this Pentecost Sunday (Jn 15:26-27.16:12-15), Jesus speaks to us about the work of the Holy Spirit, how the Spirit acts in us and for us.

Jesus calls the Spirit by the term ‘Paraclete’ (Jn 15:26), and it is important to understand the meaning of this term.

Paraclete means ‘The One who is called on to be near’, and it is a legal term, that of a figure who, in ancient times, appeared in trials and had a significant role in favor of the accused. In fact, in ancient trials, the accused could not have anyone speak on his behalf to defend him, as is the case today. The accused had to defend himself.

But he could have someone, a paraclete in fact, someone he trusted, whom he called to be close, who proposed the words to be said, supported him, and accompanied him.

His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, addresses Fr. Ibrahim Nino, Director of the Media Office, about his pastoral visit to Gaza, which took place from May 15th to the 19th, 2024. 

I entered Gaza during the week of Pentecost, in which we pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. For sure, it was a great blessing to be with the parishioners of Gaza. I was among my people who are currently enduring much suffering from the war and the destruction it has left. I brought with me the promise of a new life, and I was very surprised that they were the ones who taught me a lesson I will never forget: their steadfast faith, carried with heartwarming smiles, left a mark on me and my life.  

I saw hope and optimism in their eyes. They told me, “We will stay here. As long as the church stands with us, we are not afraid.”  I was really impressed by their attitude. 

Damascus, May 19, 2024

With the blessing and presence of 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, the Divine Liturgy for the Sunday of the Myrrhbearing Women (the second Sunday after Easter) was held in the Church of the Holy Cross in Al-Qassaa.

On Sunday, April 29 / May 12, 2024, the Sunday of Thomas was celebrated in the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

On this Feast, the event of the appearance of the Lord on the 8th day since the Resurrection was celebrated when Thomas was also with the other Disciples and he recognized the Lord and confessed the Lord and said: “My Lord and my God” (John, 20,28).

Damascus, May 12, 2024

With the blessing and presence of 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, the Divine Liturgy for the Sunday of Thomas the Apostle was celebrated in the Church of Saint Ananias the Apostle - Al Midan, in the presence of Their Eminences Bishops Arsenios (Dahdal) and Moussa (Al Khasi) as well as a many Priests and the faithful parishioners.

On May 12, 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 St. Mary Church in Cairo – Egypt.

His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II was assisted by Their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Archbishop of Homs, Hama, Tartous and Environs and Interim Patriarchal Vicar in Egypt, and Mor Clemis Daniel Kourieh, Archbishop of Beirut, in the presence of His Eminence Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary and the representatives of the sister Churches in Cairo.

His Holiness Pope Francis marks World Day of Social Communications inviting humanity to foster a genuinely humane communication.

By Linda Bordoni

His Holiness Pope Francis on Sunday marked the 58th World Day of Social Communications reminding us, in a world increasingly permeated by artificial intelligence, to never lose sight of the “wisdom of the heart.”

Speaking during the Regina Caeli on Ascension Sunday, he said: “Only by recuperating a wisdom of the heart can we interpret the demands of our time and rediscover the path to fully human communication.”

“The Church of Antioch has always abode by the mindset of encounter and dialogue”

Damascus, May 11, 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 His Beatitude Joseph Al-Absi, Greek-Melkite Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, Alexandria, and Jerusalem, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches for the Catholic Family, at the Patriarchate in Damascus. His Beatitude Al-Absi visited the Patriarch to present greetings for the holidays. The meeting touched on recent issues and the most important challenges facing the Christian presence in the East. For his part, His Beatitude Patriarch John X expressed the importance of the encounter with the different neighbor that the Church of Antioch, entrusted with this great Christian heritage, has been experiencing. In turn, His Beatitude Patriarch Joseph Al-Absi expressed the necessity of strengthening the bridges of communication that bring the two churches together in the Middle East, which is witnessing various challenges.

The Fourteenth Meeting of the Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East; His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, 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, and His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, and the delegation accompanying each of them. was concluded on Friday the 10th of May’s evening at the Papal Residence in Cairo.

During the meeting, several files of common interest were discussed, most notably the topic of Christian presence in the Middle East, relations between Church families, and the Ecumenical Councils.

At the end of the meeting, a joint statement was issued containing what was agreed upon between the three Orthodox Churches.

Jn 17:11b-19 

We have arrived at the last days of this Easter season, and the feast of Pentecost is approaching, in which the Father's plan of salvation is brought to completion, which was fulfilled in the Passover of the Lord Jesus.

The whole history of salvation is aimed at this moment, to this event: everything tends toward this day, prepared from time immemorial, and carried out with infinite patience by the Father's Providence.

Within this history, there is a term that returns often, which speaks of an experience that has a deep connection, a great attunement, with salvation.

For God’s people, salvation is always linked to a going out, and a coming forth.

Israel is enslaved in Egypt, and God intervenes with a powerful hand to bring his people out of a land of enslavement.

Israel is deported to Babylon, and God again intervenes to bring the captives out of the land to which they have been deported, to lead them back to the land of freedom. For God's people can't be a people of slaves…

The Feast of the Holy Great Martyr George the Trophy Bearer was celebrated in the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem:

A) In the Monastic Church of Saints Constantine and Helen, in the context of the Liturgy of the Monday of Bright Week, officiated by His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, after the Divine Liturgy, the congregation went to the Patriarchate Hall chanting “Christ is risen”.

B) In the Holy Monastery of Saint George of the Hospital in the Old City of Jerusalem opposite the Patriarchate and by transferring the commemoration to Tuesday, April 24th / May 7th.

This Feast was celebrated in the evening with Vespers and the Divine Liturgy in the morning, officiated by the Archimandrite Christodoulos, under the chanting of Hierodeacons Dositheos and Simeon with the attendance of monks, nuns, and faithful from Jerusalem.

The Gospel passages we have heard during this Easter season have repeatedly told us that Jesus came to bring life in abundance, give true peace, and leave us with his joy.

But where can this be found? How is this promise fulfilled?

Today's Gospel passage (Mk 16:15-20) makes us witness a great paradox.

On one hand, the passage recounts Jesus' return to the Father: indeed, in v.19 we read that “the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God”.

Jesus fulfilled his mission, which the Father sent him into the world for: he gave his life for his friends, so that everyone can hope again to enter a relationship of love and trust with the God of life.

On Thursday 9 May 2024’s evening, Thursday, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, received at the Papal Residence in Cairo, 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, and His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, and the delegation accompanying each of them.

This meeting preceded the meetings of the Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East, which will be held in Cairo, hosted by the Coptic Orthodox Church.

On May 9, 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, arrived to Cairo to participate in the fourteenth meeting of the Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East.

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, delegated their Eminences: Anba Thomas, Archbishop of Kawsiyya and Mir, Anba Clemandos, General Bishop, Anba Angelos General Bishop of the Churches of Shabra, and Dr. Gergis Saleh, Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, to receive His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, and His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia,and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, at Cairo International Airport.

On Tuesday evening, May 7th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I of the Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, established contact with His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II of the Holy See of St. Etchmiadzin, expressing full solidarity with the statement published on the same day by the Supreme Spiritual Council of the Holy See of St. Etchmiadzin, regarding Armenia’s current situation.

Last Sunday we began meditating on chapter XV of John's Gospel, in which Jesus speaks of the bond that unites him to his own, which is likened to the vine and its branches: not two different things, not two different lives, but the same life which circulates and bears fruit (Jn 15:1-8).

Today our meditation continues (Jn 15:9-17), leading us to ask a fundamental question: what is the fruit that Jesus is talking about. We said that the branch must bear fruit. Such a good vinedresser, such a beautiful vine, a branch so united to the vine, what kind of good fruit will it produce?

From Secretariat-General of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem

The feast of the Holy Pascha, the feast of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, was celebrated on Sunday, April 22 / May 5, 2024, at night in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

In the beginning, the Resurrection Canon was chanted in the Catholicon of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, until His Beatitude, the High Priests and the Priests were clothed.

Then the litany began around the Holy Sepulchre three times, then the Second Matins Gospel from the Evangelist Mark was read “on the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene…” and “Christ is Risen” was sung from the interior of the Holy Edicule by His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, and the Byzantine choir, ten times.