The Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, presided over by Patriarch Theophilos III, convened on Thursday, December 26, 2024. During the meeting, the Synod made several important decisions, including:
1. Planning a Theological Conference at the Monastery of the Holy Cross to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council at Nicea.
2. Postponing the cleaning of the Nativity Church in Bethlehem due to ongoing renovation works.
3. Addressing the rights of the Greek Orthodox to place their Icon in the Holy Grotto on the Eve of their Feast of Epiphany.
4. Praising Archbishop Nektarios for his participation in religious conferences and receiving a prize for his contributions to peace.
5. Acknowledging Professor George Dragas for his involvement in a dialogue between Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Churches.
6. Updating the Synod on Patriarch Theophilos’ participation in events related to the renovation of the Edicule of the Holy Sepulcher.
7. Discussing the recent visit of the Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece and her commitment to assisting the Patriarchate with various issues.
8. Noting the visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury and his support for the status quo of holy places in the old city.
9. Praising Archimandrite Bartholomew for renovations at the Monastery of Saint John the Baptist near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
10. Approving appointments and ordinations within the Church, including the appointment of Hierodeacon Eulogios in the Nativity Church of Bethlehem.
11. Arranging for the repair of a room used by the Copts near the Holy Edicule.
These decisions were made after thorough discussions and considerations by the Holy Synod. The suggestion made by His Beatitude has finally been confirmed. It states that every Monastery or Parish Church will now have only one seal, which can only be used by the Superior of the Monasteries or the Head Priest of the Parishes.
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