The Holy Synod convened at the Jerusalem Patriarchate on Thursday, October 3, under the leadership of Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem. The meeting was attended by members of the Holy Synod.
Patriarch Theophilos addressed various administrative, ecclesiastical, and pastoral matters concerning the Patriarchate, its monasteries, churches, clergy, and people. The discussions also touched upon the challenges faced in the Holy Land and the region, with prayers offered for peace.
During the Synod, several decisions were made, including the appointment of key individuals to important positions within the Church:
- Archimandrite Ieronemos appointed as Patriarchal Exarch in Athens.
- Archimandrite Raphael appointed as a prelate in the Cathedral of the Annunciation – Abdali and assistant to the Bishop of Jordan.
- Archimandrite Venediktos Kayyal appointed as head of the Primary Ecclesiastical Court in Amman and a prelate in the Church of the Divine Ascension – Khalda.
- Archimandrite Leonidos appointed as head of the Monastery of Cana of Galilee and a member of the Primary Ecclesiastical Court in Nazareth.
- Appointment of a priest in Rafidia from Jordan.
- Archimandrite Athanasius Qaqish appointed as a prelate in the Church of Saints Constantine and Helena – Marj Al Hamam and deputy to the Bishop of Jordan.
- Archimandrite Andreas Shamia appointed as spiritual head in Madaba.
- Monk Vasilios appointed as the caretaker of the boarding school of Zion School in Jerusalem.
- Archimandrite Nicodemus appointed as the head of the Monastery of the Apostles in Tiberias.
- Sister Metrodora appointed as the head of the Monastery of Saints Mary and Martha in Bethany.
- Nidal Semaan ordained as a deacon in Jordan.
Following the Synod, Patriarch Theophilos blessed necessary administrative and clerical transfers and appointments in Jordan. Bishop Christophoros of Jordan was given the authority to implement and announce these decisions.
The Synod concluded with prayers for the peace of the world and the Holy Land.
Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem