Archimandrite Ioustinos Mamallos, Guardian of Jacob’s Well, Dies

NABLUS, WEST BANK — Archimandrite Ioustinos Mamallos, a longtime guardian of Jacob’s Well and successor to the martyred St. Philoumenos, fell asleep in the Lord on October 1, 2026, following a prolonged illness. He served as a hieromonk of the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood and devoted many years to the preservation of the Holy Monastery at Jacob’s Well in Nablus.

Archimandrite Ioustinos was responsible for the extensive renovation of the shrine and founded the Church of St. Foteini the Samaritan at the site. The Jerusalem Patriarchate said his life and ministry were closely connected with the restoration, beautification, and preservation of the historic monastery.

His service at Jacob’s Well continued the work of St. Philoumenos, who was martyred there in 1979 while serving as guardian of the shrine. Archimandrite Ioustinos became closely identified with the holy site and its preservation, dedicating much of his life to its care.

The Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre expressed their sorrow at his death, commending his years of service to the Holy Places. They said arrangements were being examined for his body to be returned to the Holy Land for his funeral and burial.

The Patriarchate will announce the location and time of the funeral service in a subsequent statement.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Orthodox mission pioneer Dan Christopulos fell asleep in the Lord.