On Thursday, June 13, 2024, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem celebrated the feast of the Ascension, commemorating the glorious ascension of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ into heaven. This event took place forty days after the Resurrection, as described in the Gospels and the book of Acts (Acts 1:1-11), with His disciples witnessing the event at the Mount of Olives.
The celebration included a Divine Liturgy at the Holy Monastic and Patriarchal Church of Saints Constantine and Helen, led by His Beatitude our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos.
Additionally, a solemn celebration took place on the Mount of Olives, the location of the Ascension.
Vespers were held on Wednesday afternoon under the guidance of Archbishop Theodosios of Sebastia.
A litany followed the pilgrimage of the Men of Galilee to the former residence of the blessed Patriarch of Jerusalem Benedictus. His Beatitude, accompanied by the Elder Arch-Secretary, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantine, blessed the Episcopal Entourage after hearing the First Gospel from Matthew.
The litany then returned to the site of the Ascension, concluding with the reading of the Small Compline and the chanting of the Canon of the Ascension.
The following morning, a Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the same site, led by Archbishop Theodosios and concelebrated by clergy and students. Patriarch Theophilos and the Holy Synod visited the Holy Shrine for veneration during the service.
Later, Patriarch Theophilos visited the nearby Mosque and the Monastery of the Ascension, overseen by monk Achillios. He also inspected the construction progress at the newly built Holy Church of Pantocrator and engaged in refreshments.
The Patriarch then visited the Church of the Ascension of the Russians of the Diaspora (ROCOR), where he met with Hegoumen Archimandrite Romanos and blessed the congregation.
During his visit, Patriarch Theophilos delivered the following speech:
Your Eminences,
Your Graces,
Dear Archimandrite Roman,
Dear Abbess Varvara,
Beloved Sisters of this Venerable Convent,Christ is risen!
On this joyous feast, we celebrate the promise of our Lord Jesus Christ and unite the earthly with the heavenly. Despite the challenges we face, we hold fast to the promise of Christ’s presence among us, providing hope and strength in difficult times.
Our mission as the Church of Jerusalem is to be a source of both guidance and support, continuing the work that began at Pentecost. We must not waver in our faith during times of crisis, but rather intensify our prayers and stand as a beacon of hope to all.
Today, standing where our Lord ascended into heaven, we are reminded of our ultimate destination – the eternal city promised to us by Christ. Just as the disciples looked toward this city, so too do we anticipate our eternal union with God. Our hope remains steadfast, as we have inherited the same power and promise given to the disciples on this mount.
On this bright and holy feast, we rejoice in all that is before us. May God bless you, dear Father Roman and dear Abbess Varvara, along with this venerable convent, shining like a beacon on a hill, displaying the hope of the resurrection to the world. Let us proclaim, “Christ is risen!”
During his visit, Patriarch Theophilos was warmly welcomed at the Monastery of the Men of Galilee by the dedicated nun Danielia, who oversees and cares for the Monastery with great diligence.
Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem
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