The Patriarchate of Jerusalem celebrated the commemoration of the Holy Hieromartyr Philoumenos of the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood at Jacob’s Well in Nablus of Samaria on Friday, November 29, 2024.
Originally from Cyprus, Saint Philoumenos joined the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood at a young age and served in various ministries with dedication. He was brutally attacked and martyred on November 29/16, 1979, while praying in the chapel next to Jacob’s Well. The Patriarchate of Jerusalem canonized him in 2009.
The Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saint Photeini was officiated by Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos, along with other clergy members. The chanting was delivered in Greek and Arabic, and the Liturgy was attended by faithful Christians from the nearby areas.
In his sermon, His Beatitude spoke about the martyrdom of Saint Philoumenos and emphasized the importance of following Christ’s example. He highlighted the significance of martyrdom and the sacrifice made by Saint Philoumenos for his faith.
Through his martyrdom, Saint Philoumenos became a true witness of Christ and a member of the “cloud” of martyrs who gave their lives for the love of Christ. His sacrifice and unwavering faith in the face of persecution serve as an inspiration to all Christians.
Saint Philoumenos’ dedication to his faith and his willingness to die for his beliefs reflect the ultimate sacrifice made by Christ on the Cross. His martyrdom is a testament to his unwavering devotion to Christ and his refusal to renounce his faith, even in the face of death.
The wicked ones, those who murdered Saint Philoumenos, waited to kill him with an axe and grenades, believing they were offering a sacrifice to God. Little did they know that there are those who please God and are taken up to eternal life while living among sinners. The martyrs’ deaths are a comfort to the faithful and a proof of the resurrection.
We do not worship the martyrs, but honor them as genuine worshippers of God. Today we pay tribute to the holy martyr Philoumenos through the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Let us pray for peace and righteousness with the intercessions of Saint Philoumenos and the Most Blessed Theotokos.
The Liturgy was followed by a procession with the relics of Saint Philoumenos and a reception hosted by the Hegoumen of the Shrine, Archimandrite Ioustinos.
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