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.

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