Theophilos of Jerusalem: On December 25 we celebrate Christmas socially, but not liturgicallytranslated

The Synodal position of the Zionist Church that on December 25th it celebrates Christmas socially with Christians of other denominations, but not liturgically, was expressed by the Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Excellency. Theophilos III during the meeting he had on Thursday, October 1, 2026, with the Priest and the Commissioners of the Ambelin Community of the jurisdiction of the Metropolis of Ptolemais - Acres. In addition to the issue of the Community, the visit also concerned the request for a joint celebration of the Christmas holiday, which as is known in the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem is celebrated according to the Julian calendar (January 7 with the Gregorian calendar0. His Beatitude's answer was that the Patriarchate has taken a synodal decision which states that December 25, according to the Julian calendar Christmas holiday corresponds, according to the Julian calendar, to December 12, the feast day of Saint Spyridon.

On this day, the Patriarchate celebrates this holiday socially with Christians of other denominations, but not liturgically. On this day, the Patriarchate normally commemorates Saint Spyridon the Bishop...