The feast of Synaxis of Theotokos in Jerusalem
On Friday, the 26th of December 2015/8th of January 2016, the day after Christmas, the Synaxis of Theotokos, namely the gathering of the faithful in order to pay special tribute to Theotokos as contributor to God’s work for our salvation by bearing Christ by the Holy Spirit and lending her flesh to Him, was celebrated:
Α. At the Monastic Church of Sts Constantine and Helen with a divine Liturgy led by Patriarch Theophilos, having as concelebrants Hagiotaphite Primates and Hieromonks, monks and members of our flock, pilgrims and representatives of Jordan, visiting on the occasion of Christmas.
The Divine Liturgy was followed by procession to the Patriarchate, where the cantors sang the “Your Nativity, O Christ our God” Apolytikion.
Β. At the Church of the Nativity of Theotokos in Beit Jala, the service was led by His Eminence Theodosios, Archbishop of Sebaste, having as concelebrants: Archimandrite Narkissos, parish priests, and presbyters Pavlos and Joseph. The parish choir sang for the pious parishioners of this Orthodox Community.
Source: OCP
