Patriarchate of Jerusalem: Commemoration of return of sacred relics of Venerable Sabas the Sanctified

On 26 October 2026, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem solemnly commemorated the return of the sacred relics of our Venerable Father Sabas the Sanctified to his renowned Lavra. This historic event took place on 13/26 October 1965, a day still remembered by many of the Fathers of the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood who witnessed this momentous occasion.

Following the requisite preparations and pursuant to a decision of the Holy and Sacred Synod dated 20 February 1965, a Patriarchal delegation departed for Rome on 15/28 March 1965. The delegation comprised the Elder Chief Secretary, Archbishop Basilios of Jordan; the Sacristan of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Reverend Archimandrite Germanos; the Spiritual Father of the Monastery of Saint Sabas, Archimandrite Seraphim; the Hegoumen of the Monastery of Bethany, Archimandrite Theodosios, all of whom have since fallen asleep in the Lord; and the then Deacon Kyriakos, now Metropolitan Kyriakos of Nazareth. Following the requisite meetings and consultations, and during the pontificate of Pope Paul VI, the delegation secured the return of the sacred relics of Saint Sabas the Sanctified from Venice, where they had been kept for centuries,…