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Meetings of the Patriarch of Jerusalem with representatives of communities of the Holy Landtranslated

July 5, 2026 · 1 min read

In the context of his pastoral care for the Greek Orthodox communities of the Holy Land, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Mr. Theophilos held a series of meetings with clergy and representatives of communities, examining issues concerning the ecclesiastical and community life of the faithful. His Beatitude received, on Friday July 3, 2026, Archimandrite Leontios, Abbot of the Pilgrimage of Cana, as well as the Commissioners of the Pilgrimage. During the meeting, issues concerning the Greek Orthodox flock of Cana were discussed.

On the same day, His Holiness also received Fr Charalambos-Farah from the Kufr Yasif Community.

On Saturday, July 4, 2026, the Patriarch of Jerusalem had a meeting with Fr. Stavros Arankis, elder of the Birzet Community, regarding issues of the local community.

Afterwards, he received Archimandrite Dositheos, Abbot of Jericho, for issues concerning the flock of the region.

Finally, His Holiness met with Mr. Basim Asfour, President of the Community of Nazareth, and the Commissioners of the Community. At the center of the meeting were issues concerning the Greek Orthodox flock of Nazareth.

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Ζωή Χατζή

I am glad that the Patriarch met with Archimandrite Leontius from Cana and Mr. Basim Asfour from Nazareth. It is important that he listens closely to the problems of these communities.

Nicolás García

Μου άρεσε που ο Πατριάρχης μίλησε και με τον π. Σταύρο από το Μπιρζέτ και τον Αρχιμανδρίτη Δοσίθεο από την Ιεριχώ. Είναι καλό να βλέπει από κοντά τι γίνεται στις μικρότερες κοινότητες, όχι μόνο στις μεγάλες όπως η Ναζαρέτ.

Ana López

I think what you say is good, Nicolás. These visits to Birzeit and Jericho show that the Patriarch does not forget the smaller communities. I hope it continues like this, because sometimes small parishes feel a little alone. Have you ever been to the Jericho area?

Andrés López

Yes, I agree with Nicolás, it is important that the Patriarch also visit those of Birzeit and Jericho, which are smaller communities and are sometimes a bit remote. The meeting with Archimandrite Leontios in Cana caught my attention, because the flock there is very faithful but the sanctuary always needs attention. Have you ever been to Cana, Nicolás?

Илья Фёдоров

It’s good that the Patriarch does not forget about Cana, and about Jericho, and about Nazareth. I especially noted the meeting with Archimandrite Leonty - there are always a lot of pilgrims there, you need to keep order in the church. And in small communities like Birzeit it’s really easy to stay on the sidelines, I’m glad they were heard too.

Василий Тарасов

It is good that the Patriarch also met with Father Haralampos from Kufr Yasif. People rarely write about this community, but Greek Orthodox families also live there for years. I wonder if they discussed how to keep the service in Greek when there are few pilgrims.

Sergio Fernández

Yes, Andrés, Birzeit and Jericho always need that extra attention because they become more isolated. I also liked Cana; The sanctuary is a special place, although the last time I went with my husband and children was three years ago and I already saw that the roof needed some repair. Do you think the Patriarch plans to go to Nazareth again soon?

Alejandro Romero

I'm glad you mention Birzeit and Jericho, Nicholas. These small communities sometimes feel forgotten with so much coming and going in Jerusalem. Do you know if the Patriarch usually visits them every year or was it something special this time?

Elizabeth Hall

It's good the Patriarch met with Fr Charalambos from Koufr Yasif as well – that little community doesn't get mentioned often. I remember reading once how they keep the Greek services going with just a handful of families. Hope they talked about practical things like that.

Ελένη Κωνσταντίνου

It's good that the Patriarch found time for Fr Charalambos from Kufr Yasif as well. It is a small community and is often left out. I hope they discussed how they hold services with so few families.

Marta Sánchez

Yes, Birzeit and Jericho always seem more complicated because of how isolated they are. The thing about Cana also caught my attention, I hope they fix that roof you mention soon. Have you returned to Nazareth lately or do you continue to go to Cana more with your family?

Paul Johnson

Good to see the Patriarch made time for Fr Charalambos from Koufr Yasif. That parish rarely gets mentioned, yet those families have been holding on for years. Wonder if they talked about keeping the services going with so few people.

Андрей Попов

I agree, Ilya, especially with the fact that in Birzeit it is easy to remain on the sidelines - the community there is small, but people stick to the church. And in Cana there are indeed always crowds of pilgrims; I remember how last year a bus with a group from Minsk barely parked at the monastery. It’s good that the Patriarch personally keeps all this under control.