Feast of Dormition of Theotokos at Patriarchate of Jerusalem

On Friday, August 28, 2020, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God. This Feast was celebrated at the Shrine of the Dormition in Gethsemane where the Tomb of Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary lies, which was built by St. Helen in AD 326 and from the Sovereigns Markianos and Poulcheria in AD 417.

Vespers was held at 5.00 o’clock in the afternoon, led by Archbishop Theophanes of Gerassa, with the co-celebration of Hagiotaphite Hieromonks, Arab-speaking Priests, Hierodeacon Sophronios and the participation of faithful who venerate the Most Holy Theotokos who was buried there and was translated into heavens by Her Son and our Saviour Jesus Christ.

On the morning of the Feast Day, the Divine Liturgy was officiated by Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, with co-celebrants their Eminences Archbishops Theophanes of Gerassa, Aristarchos of Constantina, Philoumenos of Pella, Hagiotaphite Hieromonks, Arab-speaking Priests and Archdeacon Mark. The chanting was delivered by Hierodeacon Simeon in Greek and the members of St. James Cathedral in Arabic, as the Service was attended by many local faithful Christians, despite the restrictive measures. However, pilgrims are still unable to travel.

After the Divine Liturgy, the Hegoumen, Archbishop Dorotheos of Avela hosted a reception for the Patriarchal entourage at the Hegoumeneion.

Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem