Patriarch Theophilos Welcomes Serbian Patriarch Porfirije to Jerusalem

Serbian Orthodox Church & OCP News Service – 01/04/2025

Jerusalem-Holy Land: His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, hosted a ceremonial reception at the headquarters of the Jerusalem Patriarchate on March 31, 2025, in honor of His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Porfirije and his clerical delegation. The two patriarchs met to strengthen the bonds between their Churches, emphasizing unity and faith amid global challenges.

Earlier that day, Patriarch Porfirije arrived in Tel Aviv, marking the beginning of his pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The head of the Serbian Orthodox Church and his clerical delegation were welcomed at Ben Gurion International Airport by Metropolitan Isihije of Capitolias, Archimandrite Christodoulos, abbot of the Monastery of the Holy Cross, and Serbian Ambassador to Israel, Mr. Miroljub Petrović.

Patriarch Theophilos warmly welcomed the Serbian Patriarch to the Holy City of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. Over the coming days of the Great and Holy Lent, Patriarch Porfirije will venerate some of Christianity’s most sacred sites, including the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the Monastery of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. At the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, he will co-celebrate the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts with Patriarch Theophilos.

In his address, Patriarch Theophilos emphasized the significance of the Jerusalem Patriarchate to the Orthodox world, stating:

“Your Holiness, we joyfully welcome you and your esteemed delegation to this place where our Savior Jesus Christ walked, a land sanctified by His Holy Body and Precious Blood. Your pilgrimage and visit to our humble Patriarchate are not only an expression of faith but also a testament to the unity and peace among the sister Orthodox Churches. We live in challenging times, where the entire world, and especially the Holy Land, faces various crises, unrest, and moral dilemmas. We pray that our encounter today, in this place of reconciliation, serves as a witness to God’s glory and encourages unity in Christ among all our Orthodox brethren. Welcome!”

On this occasion, Patriarch Theophilos presented Patriarch Porfirije with a triptych panagia, while members of the Serbian delegation received commemorative gifts.

In his response, Patriarch Porfirije expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality, stating:

“Every Christian, especially a priest or bishop, feels as though they are returning to their Father’s house when they come to the Holy Land. Here, we find our true spiritual homeland, for this is where the Church of Christ was established. It is crucial to remember this truth, particularly in today’s world filled with conflicts and divisions. This sacred land reminds us that every human being is created in the image of God and that we are not enemies but brothers. Therefore, our calling is to accept and embrace every person as our brother. Thank you, Your Beatitude, for your love and for granting us the opportunity to visit these sacred places, renew our spirit, and humbly bear witness to the Gospel.”

The reception was attended by hierarchs of the Jerusalem Patriarchate, including Metropolitan Isihije of Capitolias, Metropolitan Timotheos of Bostra, Metropolitan Theophanes of Gerasa, and others. Also present were members of the Serbian Patriarch’s delegation, including Bishop Petar of Toplica, Archimandrite Danilo, Protopresbyter Dr. Dragan Radić, Deacon Vasilije Bursać, and Hypodeacon Dejan Nakić.

Following the reception, Patriarch Theophilos hosted a formal luncheon at the Jerusalem Patriarchate, attended by high-ranking clergy from both Churches.

Source:

OCP News Service