On the Sunday before the Nativity of Christ, 22 December 2025 / 4 January 2026, the customary Memorial Service for the Holy Sepulchre Fathers was celebrated, according to tradition, in the Catholikon of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, following the Divine Liturgy served therein, at which His Eminence Archbishop Theodosios of Sebaste presided.
The Memorial Service was presided over by His Beatitude, our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos, with the co-celebration of Hagiotaphite Hierarchs, Hieromonks, and Deacons.
At this Memorial Service, supplication was offered for the repose of the souls of all the departed Holy Sepulchre Fathers who have fallen asleep in the hope of the Resurrection—Patriarchs of blessed memory, Hierarchs, Hieromonks, Deacons, and Monks. The service was attended by the faithful of Jerusalem who joined in prayer.
After the Divine Liturgy, there was a reception at the Patriarchate Hall, during which His Beatitude wished for the repose of all the departed members of the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood, and extended His wishes to us who are still in the earthly struggle for blessed Christmas.
From the Chief Secretariat
