Jerusalem marks Patriarch Theophilos III’s name day
Patriarch Theophilos III officiated services in Jerusalem on his name day, with clergy, representatives of Local Churches, and diplomats in attendance.
On March 21, 2026, Jerusalem marked the name day of Patriarch Theophilos III, with services held at the Patriarchal Church of Saints Constantine and Helen, the Jerusalem Patriarchate reports.
The celebration was moved a day earlier because of the commemoration of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, observed on March 9/22. The same day also honors the holy martyr Theophilos, after whom the primate of the Jerusalem Church is named.
On the eve of the feast, Patriarch Theophilos III presided at Vespers, and in the morning the Divine Liturgy was celebrated with Metropolitan Kyriakos of Nazareth, Metropolitan Isychios of Capitolias, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, and other clergy concelebrating. Representatives of the Russian and Romanian Patriarchates also took part in the service.
The service was attended by members of the Greek diplomatic corps, as well as faithful who came despite restrictions linked to the ongoing war. After the Liturgy, a doxology was served, followed by congratulations at the Patriarchate.
In his address, Patriarch Theophilos III recalled the feat of the martyrs and called for spiritual steadfastness: “Let us endure a little, that we may be crowned with the crowns of victory through Christ God.” He also stressed that the example of the saints calls believers to preserve unity, peace, and fidelity to Christ even in times of trial.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Patriarch Theophilos had urged diplomats to defend the rights of Christians in the Holy Land.
