Pat Theophilos III speaks of possibility of pilgrimage in times of pandemic

Patriarch of Jerusalem: A pilgrimage can be made anywhere. Photo: pravoslavie.ru

Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, in an interview with the “Izvestia” newspaper, spoke about the possibility of pilgrimage at the time of the pandemic.

The head of the Jerusalem Patriarchate recalled that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot in the modern world. He stressed that at present the number of pilgrims in the Holy Land is very modest. The hierarch urged Christians to remember that the pilgrimage can be made anywhere.

“There are so many journeys we can take, both physically and spiritually, overseas and in our own communities. There are many places where we can go and experiences that we can gain in order to become closer to Christ,” said Patriarch Theophilos III.

He recalled that at Easter we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, and at Trinity we recognize that the Lord is present by the power of the Holy Spirit wherever there is a church community.

“I call upon all my brothers and sisters throughout the world to seek holy places in their own communities; make our cities and churches a place of pilgrimage, and once again experience the boundless, infinite love of God that becomes ours at Easter. If we can achieve this, I believe the Holy Spirit will bring Jesus Christ into our lives and communities in a new way,” he concluded.

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