Visit to the Mother of Churches in the Holy City of Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Dec. 25, 2007 - Today, His Beatitude Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem Theophylos III received members of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church Most Rev. Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Coastlands, Amfilohije, and Rt. Rev. Hrisostom, Bishop of Zica, who are visiting the Patriarchate of Jerusalem together with protosyngellos Jovan and priest Gajo Gajic. They gave the best respects and blessing by His Holiness the Serbian Patriarch and our Church's Holy Synod of Bishops to the Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem, who was finally recognized by the Israeli government and the Supreme Court of Israel. Yesterday at noon, the Patriarch of Jerusalem received the official Grammata of the Government of the State of Israel. Thus, the formal part of His Beatitude's recognition was concluded, as well, considering the fact that, once elected, the remaining countries in the region proceeded with His recognition immediately.

In a hearty conversation with the Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem, Metropolitan Amfilohije recalled the traditionally good relations the two Patriarchates have had over the centuries and the Serbian community's historical presence in the Holy Land, dating back to Saint Sava and other benefactors belonging to the Nemanjic dynasty.

"Kosovo is a Serbian Jerusalem, our holy land, the cradle of our church and our state'', Metropolitan Amfilohije pointed out in addressing Patriarch Theophilos. However, the Patriarch impressed all present with his knowledge of the circumstances and events on Kosovo and Metohija itsself, as well as around it, and with the compassionate love the community of Jerusalem has been showing for the Serbian people.

The representatives of the Serbian Orthodox Church were then received by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, at the Dep't for Balkan Affairs. The Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Israel, H.E. Mr. Mile Isakov, also attended the meeting. A meeting was held with the Israeli Antipropaganda Leage, as well. The representatives of the two Churches are to hold a joint midnight service at the Holy Sepulchre in the Holy City of Jerusalem.