Patr. Theophilos Rejects Proposal for December 25 Nativity Celebration

JERUSALEM — Patr. Theophilos III of Jerusalem rejected a proposal for a joint liturgical celebration of the Nativity of Christ on December 25, reaffirming the Jerusalem Patriarchate’s observance of Nativity according to the Julian calendar.

The proposal was presented by representatives of the Abelin community, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate’s Metropolis of Ptolemais and Acre, during a meeting with Patr. Theophilos and parish representatives.

In response, the Jerusalem Patriarch referred to a decision of the Church’s Holy Synod governing its liturgical calendar. December 25 corresponds to December 12 on the Julian calendar, and the latter date is observed by the Jerusalem Patriarchate as the feast of St. Spyridon of Trimythous, with the corresponding liturgical services celebrated that day.

Patr. Theophilos also distinguished between liturgical and social observance. He explained that the Jerusalem Patriarchate participates in meetings and courtesy visits with representatives of other Christian denominations around December 25, but these encounters do not include joint worship.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. Daniel concluded a historic visit to the Jerusalem Patriarchate.