Patriarch Theophilos honors St Mary Magdalene in Gethsemane

Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem at celebrations marking the feast of St Mary Magdalene at the Gethsemane Convent. Photo: Jerusalem Patriarchate

On August 4, 2026, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem visited the Russian Convent of St Mary Magdalene, he Holy Myrrh-Bearer and Equal-to-the-Apostles, in Gethsemane and blessed the sisters and faithful who had gathered for the monastery’s patronal feast, the press service of the Jerusalem Patriarchate reports.

The Primate of the Church of Jerusalem was accompanied by Metropolitan Kyriakos of Nazareth, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Archimandrite Christodoulos, and Archdeacon Mark. Patriarch Theophilos congratulated Abbess Elizabeth, the sisters of the convent, and the pilgrims on the feast day of the monastery’s heavenly patroness.

The festive service was led by Metropolitan Mark of Berlin and Germany. He was joined by Bishop Job of Stuttgart and the convent’s rector, Archimandrite Roman. Patriarch Theophilos, Russian Ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov, and the head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in the Holy Land, Archimandrite Vassian, also took part in the litiya that followed.

Addressing those gathered for the celebration, the Patriarch called St Mary Magdalene an example of unwavering faithfulness to Christ. He recalled that she did not abandon the Savior even after His Crucifixion and burial and was later the first to be granted the sight of the risen Lord and to proclaim the good news to the apostles.

“St Mary Magdalene remains for us a powerful example and advocate,” Patriarch Theophilos said. According to him, her faith is especially important for the Church of Jerusalem and the peoples of the Middle East, who are enduring a period of severe trials and hardship.

As the UOJ previously reported, the Patriarch of Constantinople received the Primate of the Church of Jerusalem at the Phanar.

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