Jerusalem Patriarch calls for rejecting worldly understanding of Nativity
Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem. Photo: Jerusalem Patriarchate
On December 14, 2025, at the Church of St. Nicholas in Beit Jala (Palestine), Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem took part in a solemn church music event and addressed the faithful with a call to perceive the Feast of the Nativity of Christ spiritually rather than materially, according to the official website of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.
The event was dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the church’s founding and coincided with the restoration of the lower chapel dedicated to St. Nicholas. Christmas hymns were performed in Greek and Arabic and drew a large number of worshippers.
Addressing those present, Patriarch Theophilos stressed, "In these critical days of trials and sufferings in the Holy Land, and especially in the place of the Nativity of our Saviour Christ, this event stands out."
His Beatitide noted the importance of the unity in the Spirit of Christ, by which “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:2).
Speaking about the significance of church singing, the Primate of the Jerusalem Church recalled that psalmody is not an external embellishment of worship but an expression of the soul’s inner harmony.
“Measured recitation of the psalms is not an attempt at fine singing, but a demonstration of the harmony of the soul’s thoughts. Likewise, measured reading is a symbol of the harmonious and calm state of the mind.,” the Patriarch said.
His Beatitude Theophilos called on the faithful to meet the Nativity of Christ in prayer and thanksgiving to God: “We pray for all who participate in this pious ecclesiastical occasion to receive divine enlightenment from above, that we may celebrate spiritually, not merely in worldly or material terms, the Mother of Festivals, the Nativity of our God and Saviour Christ, crying out with the holy Angels: 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill among men' (Luke 2:14)."
"Many peaceful and blessed returns, and a joyous Christmas. Amen," he concluded.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the King of Jordan had called for the protection of Christians in the Middle East.
Read also
Lionel Messi thanks God for his achievements as he ends international career
Argentine football star Lionel Messi credited God for his success as he brought his international career to a close, saying he could never have achieved so much without God's will.
Odesa’s St. Elijah Monastery honors memory of its founder
Metropolitan Agafangel led celebrations at St. Elijah Monastery in Odesa on the feast day of St. Gabriel of Mount Athos.
OCU cleric rejects suspension, accuses ruling bishop of usurping power
An OCU cleric called the decree suspending him "canonically null and void" and accused "Bishop" Semanchuk of attempting to seize parishes and using mobilization threats as blackmail.
Supreme Court: Religious beliefs do not exempt citizens from mobilization
The Supreme Court has clarified that Ukrainian law does not provide for alternative civilian service under martial law.
Ukraine birth rate drops 17%, demographer says
The head of a department at Ukraine’s Institute of Demography has reported a sharp decline in the country's birth rate.
Khust Eparchy honors memory of St. Job of Uholka
A Liturgy is served in Mala Uholka, a birthplace of St. Job of Uholka, on the saint's feast day.