JERUSALEM – On Monday January 9, 2017, and in the days following the Christmas celebration according to the Julian calendar, the Heads of Local Churches visited the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem to convey their Christmas greetings.
Departing from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and walking behind the Kawas, Most Rev. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate, accompanied by Bishop William Shomali, Bishop Kamal Bathish and a number of priests went to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate to present their Christmas greetings.
Addressing His Beatitude Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Archbishop Pizzaballa talked about the significance and importance of conveying Christmas greetings and good wishes. Speaking about the message of Christ’s arrival, which was first
revealed to the shepherds in Beit Sahour, he said “The heavenly Father sent His angels to those simple people, who longed for redemption, for the good news. Their simple hearts were prepared to listen joyfully to the hymn of the Angels: “Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to the people of good will!”.
He added “The shepherds of Beit Sahour received the grace and were joyful witnesses of the living Savior.
We pastors also received the grace and have to be witnesses of the faith we have received, joyful witnesses, exemplar faithful people of good will, who can feed our flock with the treasures of heaven entrusted to us, for their spiritual benefit and growth in the life, with Jesus”.
Also, on Thursday December 29, 2016, the Latin Patriarchate received the Heads of Local Churches in Jerusalem who came to convey their Christmas wishes, on the occasion of the celebration according to the Gregorian calendar.
Source: Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem
