On Tuesday, 24 December 2025 / 6 January 2026, the Patriarchate solemnly celebrated the Eve of the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in accordance with the Status Quo.
On the morning of that day, at 9:00 a.m., representatives of the Israeli Police and the Scouts visited the Patriarchate.
Following this brief visit, the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood set out, led by its Hegumen, His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem. Preceded by the Scouts, who advanced with musical instruments, the procession made its way towards Jaffa Gate, in the presence of the representative of the Greek General Consulate, Ms Anna Mantika. From there, the Patriarchal entourage proceeded to the Monastery of the Prophet Elijah.
At the Monastery, His Beatitude was received by the representative of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Mr Sezar Martjie, the military representatives of Kfar Etzion, representatives of the communities of Bethlehem, the Shepherds’ Field, and Beit Jala, members of the parish of Saint James the Brother of God, as well as the Supervisor of the Monastery of the Prophet Elijah, monk Achillios.
After the veneration in the Holy Church and the offering of supplication, a reception was held in the adjoining hall, where a fasting refreshment was offered, consisting of bread, olives, sweets, and fruits.
These matters having been concluded, the Patriarchal escort departed by vehicle, preceded by five mounted Israeli police officers, as far as the border checkpoint at Rachel’s Tomb (commonly known as “300”).
Upon passing through the checkpoint, the Patriarchal escort was received by representatives of the Palestinian State, who then led the procession. Along both sides of the road stood faithful—particularly young people—seeking the blessing of His Beatitude, until the procession reached the square of the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
There, His Beatitude was received by the Patriarchal Representative of Bethlehem, His Eminence Metropolitan Benedictos of Diocaesarea, together with the Hegumen of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour, Archimandrite Ignatios. Accompanying them were vested hieromonks of the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood, local presbyters, married clergy from the flock, and the faithful people of Bethlehem. Through the courtyard of the Basilica of the Nativity, the procession began, with psalmody, towards its humble and venerable entrance.
Read more: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/liturgic-life/christmas-eve-at-the-patriarchate-6/
From the Secretariat-General
