Patr. Theophilos III Leads Celebration of Jordan’s 80th Independence Anniversary
Jordan's Orthodox community marked the kingdom's 80th independence anniversary with a patriarchal service and a major national operetta celebrating faith, history, and national identity.
AMMAN, JORDAN — His Beatitude Patr. Theophilos III, Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and all Palestine and Jordan, presided over a celebratory service marking the 80th anniversary of the independence of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on May 24. The commemoration took place amid a solemn military presence and broad participation from the faithful.
The service was attended by a number of bishops and priests, as well as members of the Jordanian Armed Forces and the Public Security Directorate. Among those present were Brigadier General Dr. Issa Ghanma, representing the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Brigadier General Dr. Jamal Al-Jazi, representing the Director of Public Security.
The celebration also featured a performance by the Orthodox Scout Band of the Kingdom and active participation from members of the General Secretariat of Orthodox Youth. A highlight of the event was the presentation of the grand national operetta “Jordan, Home of Love,” produced by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem as a gift honoring the nation. The launching ceremony followed the prayer service and was attended by metropolitans, distinguished guests, military personnel, and government officials.
Organizers described the operetta as one of the largest national church productions in Jordan's history, involving more than 300 volunteers and numerous Jordanian artists and musicians. Produced under the supervision of Metr. Christophoros, the work presented key moments from Jordan's history, including a tableau celebrating the Hashemite custodianship of Islam and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, while emphasizing themes of national unity, peace, and belonging.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. Theophilos read at a sparsely attended Holy Week service.
