The Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem held a meeting chaired by Patriarch Theophilos III

A meeting of the Holy and Sacred Synod was held at the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, presided over by His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem. During the meeting, the hierarchs discussed a wide range of administrative, ecclesiastical, and pastoral issues, paying particular attention to the situation in the Holy Land and the condition of Orthodox communities in the region. This was reported by Romfea.gr.

The Synod members expressed deep concern over the current geopolitical situation and offered prayers for peace and stability in the Middle East. Patriarch Theophilos III briefed the members of the Synod on his recent official visits to the United States, Greece, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, where issues related to the protection of the Christian presence and the preservation of holy sites were discussed. Particular attention was given to his pastoral visit to the Gaza Strip, where the Patriarch met with parishioners of the Church of St. Porphyrius, offering them support amid their ongoing trials.

During the meeting, preparations were discussed for the 2030 celebration of the 2,000th anniversary of the Baptism of the Lord on the Jordan River. The Synod expressed its gratitude to His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan for his support and care for Christian holy sites. Progress was also noted in the development of the International Orthodox University at the Site of the Baptism, which is intended to serve as a platform for intercultural and interreligious dialogue.

An important part of the Synod’s work involved personnel and administrative decisions, including the appointment of monastery abbots and Patriarchate representatives in various regions. In particular, a cleric was appointed to minister to Russian-speaking believers in the Accra area. In addition, the Synod approved amendments to the legislation governing ecclesiastical courts and legal practice in Jordan.

At the conclusion of the meeting, His Beatitude the Patriarch called on the faithful to spend the days of the Dormition Fast in prayer, repentance, and spiritual growth, emphasizing the role of the Mother of God as an example of obedience and humility for all the children of the Church of Jerusalem.

As a reminder, it was previously reported that U.S. President Donald Trump supported the initiative to appoint Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem as a mediator in efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine. The religious leader is expected to help establish a direct channel of communication between Moscow and Kyiv to seek ways to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict.