Patriarch Theophilos III baptizes son of Greek diplomats in Bethlehem Cave

The Sacrament of Baptism in the Catholicon of the Basilica of the Nativity of Christ in Bethlehem. Photo: VEMA of the Church

Patriarch Theophilos III, Primate of the Orthodox Church of Jerusalem, baptized the son of employees of Greek diplomatic missions in the Katholikon of the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the Greek outlet VEMA of the Church reported.

Under the current Status Quo rules, Greek diplomats have the privilege of baptizing their children directly in the Grotto of the Nativity of Christ. The child’s father works at the Greek Embassy in Tel Aviv, while his mother serves as consul at the Consulate General in Jerusalem.

Concelebrating with the Patriarch were Metropolitan Benedict of Diocaesarea, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, and other representatives of the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre.

Standing as godparents were the Ambassador of Greece to Tel Aviv, Mrs Maya Solomou, and Mr Dimitrios Charoulis, "in the presence of the grandparents, Mr Petros Mavroeidis and Mrs Virginia Mavroeidou, Mr Dimitrios Mantikas and Mrs Christina Argyropoulou, as well as other relatives, with the honoured presence of the Consul General of Greece in Jerusalem, Mr Dimitrios Angelosopoulos, and his wife."

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Patriarchs of Jerusalem and Armenia discussed the protection of Christians in the Holy Land.

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