On Friday, July 20 / August 2, 2024, the commemoration of Prophet Elijah of Thesbes was celebrated by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

On this day, the Church draws from the Old and New Testaments and honors the Prophet Elijah as a native of Thesbes, a hermit and ascetic, zealous for the rights of God, fighting for His rights and performing many signs and wonders, as is briefly but inclusively mentioned in his Synaxarion and his Apolytikion, that he is: “the incarnate angel and the prophets’ summit, the second forerunner of the coming of Christ”, the one taken up by a chariot of fire into heaven and sent through his mantle double his grace to his disciple Elisha, who crossed the river Jordan on it.

His memory was celebrated in his Holy Monastery, the one between Jerusalem and Bethlehem, by the ancient Monastery of the Seat.

On Wednesday, July 31st, 2024, at the Jesuit monastery in Jerusalem, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided over a Mass in celebration of the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, as well as the priesthood jubilee of several Priests.

Concelebrated by His Eminence Msgr. Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo, Bishop Emeritus, Abbot Nikodemus Schnabel Abbot, Abbot Miguel Garcia, who is celebrating his 50th jubilee, and Fr. Peter DuBrul , celebrating his 70th jubilee, in addition to the attendance of several Priests. Among the assembly was a representative of the French Consul, the religious affairs officer at the French Embassy, His Eminence Bishop Dr. Munib Younan, Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, and Brother Hernán Santos, Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University, as well as several sisters and faithful.

In his homily, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa recounted the life of St. Ignatius, focusing on his dedication to fulfilling God's will in the Holy Land. He explained that St. Ignatius initially believed his mission was confined to the Holy Land but eventually understood that God's will extended to the whole world, driven by love for God and the defense of the Holy Church.  Referring to the Gospel of Matthew, His Beatitude Cardinal Pizzaballa emphasized the lifestyle and mission that St. Ignatius adopted, encapsulated in the verses: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me” (Mt.10:37-38).

World Council of Churches (WCC) General Secretary Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay expressed grave concern over the recent escalation of violence in the Middle East. “The situation has deteriorated significantly following the attack on Golan Heights, the subsequent [Israeli attack] in Beirut, and the assassination in Tehran on 30 July,” he said. “These attacks have not only intensified the conflict but have also entailed violations of the sovereignty of multiple nations.”

Rev. Prof. Dr. Pillay urgently called for political dialogue and negotiations. “The current cycle of violence serves only to deepen the threat and the suffering of all people involved,” he said. “We call for an immediate cessation of all military actions and urge all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue aimed at restoring peace and stability.”

Jn 6 : 1,15

The Sunday readings from the Gospel of Mark for Year B, which we've been exploring, will come to a pause. We will now delve into chapter six of the Gospel of John, commonly known as the chapter of the bread of life.

This chapter is rich in references and symbols; hence, we will linger here to understand its core message.

The initial reference provides us with the essential understanding and structure of the text, centered around the exodus and, consequently, the Passover. Jesus crosses over and a great crowd follows him (Jn 6:1), much like the Israelites who followed Moses out of the land of slavery to become the Lord's people.

Verse 4 confirms that Passover is the focus of this event: “The Jewish feast of Passover was near” (Jn. 6:4)…

Le Caire, le 28 juillet 2024

Le Conseil des Patriarches et Évêques Catholiques d'Égypte dénonce ce qui a été présenté lors de l'ouverture des Jeux Olympiques en France.

Lors de la cérémonie d'ouverture, il y a eu une moquerie flagrante du Christ, où le tableau de "La Cène" a été remplacé par une scène débordant de sensualité et de mépris des valeurs humaines en général et chrétiennes en particulier. La cérémonie a consacré la laideur et a exagéré l'exaltation du plaisir et de la luxure.

Le comité d'organisation des Jeux Olympiques a dépassé les bornes en blessant les sentiments des chrétiens, en déviant de l'objectif du sport qui, en de telles occasions, cherche à construire des ponts de rapprochement entre les peuples et les cultures différentes, à approfondir les concepts des valeurs humaines communes et à préserver la dignité humaine.

Cairo, 28 July 2024.The Presidency of the Protestant Church of Egypt, headed by Rev. Dr. Andrea Zaki, expresses its deep sorrow over the inappropriate artwork presented in the opening ceremony of the Olympic games in Paris 2024, which contained a scene embodying the symbolism of the “Last Supper” image, that holds great significance in the history of Christian faith and doctrine.

We also stress that The Olympic Games ceremonies should never be used as a platform for religious or cultural conflict or for an attempt of offense in any shape or form. On the contrary, these ceremonies should play their historical role in accommodating and encouraging athletes from all over the world, respecting diversity and promoting understanding among peoples, nations and cultures. What happened in Paris strikes the roots of moral values aimed by the athleticism of the Olympic games, We warn that such acts may cause the International Olympic Committee to lose its distinctive athletic identity and humanitarian message.

L'Église Copte Orthodoxe, sous la direction de Sa Sainteté le Pape Tawadros II, exprime sa profonde indignation et sa condamnation quant à la mise en scène de la Cène du Christ avec ses disciples lors de la cérémonie d'ouverture des Jeux Olympiques de Paris 2024. Cette représentation concerne le sacrement de l'Eucharistie, le plus ancien et le plus sacré des sacrements et des pratiques de l'Église.

Il est regrettable que la manière dont cette scène a été présentée constitue une grave offense à l'un des fondements de base sur lesquels repose le christianisme.

Il est étonnant de voir cette scène lors de l'ouverture des Jeux Olympiques, alors que de tels actes sont en contradiction avec la Charte olympique et ses valeurs fondamentales déclarées, qui appellent au respect des principes éthiques universels de base et à l'exemplarité, ainsi qu'au respect de tous sans discrimination. Ce que nous avons vu lors de cette cérémonie d'ouverture contredit ces valeurs en promouvant des idéologies spécifiques qui n'ont aucun rapport avec le sport, lequel devrait rassembler et non diviser.

The Coptic Orthodox Church, headed by H.H. Pope Tawadros II, expresses its deep disapproval and denunciation at what was included in the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics, in which the scene of the Last Supper of the Lord Christ with His disciples was included. This is the event when the sacrament of the Eucharist was established; the oldest and most sacred sacrament and practice of the Church. The way this scene was presented seriously offends one of the main religious beliefs on which Christianity is based.

It is strange to see this scene at the opening of the Olympics, at a time when such actions contradict the Olympic Charter and its declared values, which call for respect of universal moral principles, the value of setting a good example, and respecting everyone without discrimination. We saw the opposite of this reflected in the aforementioned opening ceremony, in order to advance certain intellectual agendas that serve trends unrelated to sports, which should unite, not divide…

The Chaldean Church condemns what happened in Olympics

What happened at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics is shameful and a mockery of the Christian religion, hurting the faith and feelings of more than two and a half billion Christians in the world. The Islamic religion was also violated by burning the Quran in Sweden. These heinous acts are completely unacceptable and the Olympics image does not shine with.

Secularism, as it presents itself, is not hostile to religions, but rather respects everyone, believers and non-believers. This is a positive thing…

Mk 6,30-34

In last Sunday’s Gospel (Mk 6:7-13), we learned of the Lord’s disciples’ mission: to meet the world in their pain.

It is not about waiting for those who suffer to come and knock on the Church’s door, but about seeking them out, joining them, and sharing in their pain.

The disciples were sent out by their Master. They did not take many tools or develop specific strategies. They left empty-handed, and because of this, they experienced the weaknesses and pains that affect human life.

Thus, to heal this soul illness, there is only one remedy: to become a person who is welcoming and hospitable to others so they can unburden themselves without fear.

“We are proud of our children in Matn, Lebanon, the Levant, and the entire world; we are proud of them being pioneers in their societies.”

July 21, 2024

His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches for the Orthodox Family, emphasized the role of the members of the Antiochian Orthodox Church in all places and at various times. His Beatitude stressed the importance of the saying by Saint Elias, who is being celebrated: “The Lord lives” in the life of every person who feels the mercies of God, the Father of lights. His Beatitude Patriarch John X uttered these words at the end of the Sunday Divine Liturgy, which was celebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Damaskinos (Mansour) of São Paulo and all of Brazil, in the Patriarchal Monastery of Saint Elias - Shouwaya, with the participation of His Eminence Bishop Ghattas (Hazeem), Metropolitan of Baghdad and Kuwait and their Dependencies and His Eminence Bishop Constantine (Kayal), Head of the Patriarchal Monastery Saint Elias - Shouwaya, and a group of clergymen. As well as, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Dr. Michel Abs attended the Divine Liturgy.

On the evening of Wednesday 17 July 2024, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, delivered his weekly Sermon at the Wednesday meeting in the Cathedral of the Annunciation and Archangel Gabriel in Mahmoudiyah; Alexandria, Egypt. The Sermon was broadcasted on Christian satellite channels and the C.O.C channel of the Church’s Media Center on the Internet.

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II prayed the raising of incense of vespers, with the participation of their Eminences the General Bishops supervising the pastoral sectors in Alexandria, Hegumen Abraam Emil (General Deputy of the Patriarchate in Alexandria), the Priests of the Church, and a number of Priests from Alexandria.

Before the Sermon, His Grace Anba Hermina, (the General Bishop of the churches of the eastern sector of Alexandria), and Father Morcos Mikhail (priest of the church), welcomed the visit of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, expressing words of love for him.

On July 15, 2024, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, visited the construction site of the Latakia Community Center, Syria.

He inspected the progress in the work as well as the plans and different stages of the project.

His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II was accompanied by their Eminences: Mor Boutros Kassis, Archbishop of Aleppo and Environs, Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Archbishop of Homs, Hama, Tartous and Environs, Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary, Mr. Louay Oussi, and Mr. Maher Kourieh.

On July 14, 2024, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, visited His Excellency Mor Julian Yacoub Mrad, Syriac Catholic Archbishop of Homs, Hama and Nabak, at his headquarters in Homs, Syria.

Their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Archbishop of Homs, Hama, Tartous and Environs, Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeerah and Euphrates, and Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary, accompanied His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II during this visit.

On July 13, 2024, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, arrived to Homs, Syria, and presided over the Ramsho Prayer, at the Lady of the Girdle (Zunoro) Cathedral.

Their Eminences: Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Archbishop of Homs, Hama, Tartous and Environs, Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeerah and Euphrates, and Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary, attended the Prayer.

On July 14, 2024, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, celebrated the Holy Qurobo at St. Georges Church in Zaydal, Syria.

His Holiness was assisted by their Eminences: Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Archbishop of Homs, Hama, Tartous and Environs, Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeerah and Euphrates, and Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary. His Grace Bishop Mor Iwannis Boulos Al-Souqi was also present.

During the Holy Qurobo, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II bestowed the Pectoral Cross to the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Gabriel Hazim in appreciation of his years of ministry to the parish in Zaydal.

the “Study Zone” Center in Damascus

On July 12, 2024, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, inaugurated the “Study Zone” Center in Damascus which is under the administration of Hope Center.

The inauguration was attended by their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Joseph Bali, Patriarchal Assistant, and Mor Andrawos Bahhi, Patriarchal Vicar for Youth Affairs and Christian Education as well as His Excellency Mgr. Hanna Jallouf, Latin Apostolic Vicar in Syria, and representatives from other Churches…

The Armenological Center of the Educational-Armenological Department at the Catholicosate of Cilicia held its 2023-2024 graduation ceremony in Bikfaya, attended by the Cilician Brotherhood, faculty members, students, and graduates. His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, presided over the ceremony and distributed certificates to the graduates.

Mr. Aharon Shekerdemian, Director of the Center, opened the ceremony with heartfelt gratitude to His Holiness for his unwavering support of the Center and extended congratulations to the graduates. Marina Daghlian, representing the students, delivered an inspiring speech.

On Friday, June 29/July 12, 2024, the feast of the glorious and Chiefs of the Apostles Peter and Paul was celebrated by the Patriarchate.

On this feast, the Church especially remembers these two holy Apostles, Peter, brother of Andrew the first-called, following Christ from Tiberias, confessing Him “as the Son of God”, denying Him, being accepted again through repentance, preaching Him, writing two Catholic epistles of the New Testament and martyred in Rome through a cross in AD 66.

The Church also remembers the Apostle Paul as a persecutor of Christ and His Church, as one who was called by a vision and became a chosen vessel, preaching Christ above all things, as is witnessed in the Acts of the Apostles and in his fourteen epistles and having testified during the reign of Nestor in Rome and was beheaded.

Mark 6:7-13

In today's Gospel passage (Mark 6:7-13), we read about a significant transition in the story of Jesus and the disciples.

After Jesus has called his friends to accompany him and instructed them in the way of the Kingdom, he now sends them out, meaning he entrusts them with the Word of peace and reconciliation so that they may begin to bring it to all who longed to hear it, even without knowing it.

We first observe that at this point in the Gospel, the disciples have not come to a particular knowledge and understanding of their master: the last time Jesus addressed them, as we saw two Sundays ago, had been to rebuke them for their lack of faith. Yet, immediately thereafter, Jesus sends them in his name and entrusts them with the same power he had, that of healing people.