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The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem (Πατριαρχεῖον Ἱεροσολύμων) is the seat of the Eastern Orthodox Church in the Holy Land. Its territory includes Israel, Palestine, and Jordan, as well as Saint Catherine’s Monastery at Mount Sinai in Egypt.
The patriarchate is led by the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, which can trace its lineage back to the 1st century. St. James was the first Bishop of Jerusalem. The Patriarch of Jerusalem ranks fourth out of the nine Eastern Orthodox patriarchs.
Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem
The official headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is in the Christian Quarter of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Old City. A large compound just west of the church contains the Patriarchate’s administrative center.
The compound is located on both sides of Greek Orthodox Patriarchate Street, which is lined with the red and white flags of the Patriarchate and the blue and white flags of Greece. It’s closed to the public.
The buildings on the north side of the street contain the residence of the Patriarch, a reception hall, chapel, and library. The buildings on the south side house a monastery, other offices, churches, and rooftop access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The south side also contains the offices of the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre, which is charged with the protection of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and other Christian holy places in the Holy Land. The Brotherhood was originally formed in 313 and reorganized during the British Mandate in Palestine.
The Compound
First, just inside the entrance to the compound is a small lobby with a few historic artifacts on display. To the right is the grand staircase, which has a sitting area on the landing.
At the top of the stairs is another lobby. The doors to the reception hall are straight ahead and a chapel sits to the right. To the left is another hallway to other sections of the building.
Reception Hall
The reception hall is where the Patriarch of Jerusalem grants audiences with Orthodox pilgrims from around the world. A throne sits in the apse at the far end.
Chapel
The small chapel features a beautiful iconostasis, throne, and icon stands. All are hand-carved out of wood and covered in gold leaf. The small dome contains a painting of Christ Pantocrator and several prophets.
Hallway
The hallway to the left of the lobby is lined with portraits of former Patriarchs of Jerusalem. There’s also a scale model of the Edicule in the Rotunda of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre as well as historic vestments on display.
One balcony off the hallway offered views of the courtyard of the compound. Another balcony along Greek Orthodox Patriarchate Street provided beautiful views of the bay windows protruding over the street.
I also got a good look at the bridge over the street linking the north and south sides of the compound. It’s topped with a cross and the seal of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
Museum
Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to visit the Museum of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem. It contains important historic artifacts such as sarcophagi, icons, crosses, vestments, and more. Most of the artifacts are from the post-Byzantine period, and only a handful date back to the Byzantine period. The museum is open by appointment only and admission includes a 45 minute guided tour.
Audience with Patriarch Theophilos III
On both of my trips to Jerusalem, we were able to attend an audience with Patriarch Theophilos III. The reception hall was filled with pilgrims visiting Jerusalem from Greece and the United States. As tour leaders, Marisol and I were able to sit in the reserved seats near the Patriarch.
Patriarch Theophilos III entered the hall shortly after our arrival. He was accompanied by two bishops and sat in a chair at the end of the hall. Another group of bishops and priests sat in the row of chairs opposite us.
The Patriarch spoke for about 25 minutes, in both Greek and English, welcoming the pilgrims to Jerusalem and offering anecdotes as well as messages of faith. When he finished speaking, the pilgrims formed a queue to meet him. He handed out icons and took photos with anyone who asked.
