His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem conducted a pastoral visit to the Ptolemais–Acre region in the north on Tuesday, April 15/28, 2026. The visit, which took place within the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate, focused on community outreach, interfaith greetings, and personal condolences.
High-Level Delegation Joins Pastoral Tour
The Patriarch was accompanied by a significant ecclesiastical delegation during the journey. This group included His Eminence Metropolitan Kyriakos of Nazareth, the Elder Chief Secretary His Eminence Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, and His Eminence Metropolitan Makarios of Acre–Ptolemais.
Also present were Archimandrite Christodoulos, Archdeacon Mark, and several priests, including Theodosios Makhoul, Fr Savvas Makhoul, Archimandrite Silouanos, Presbyter Elias, and Fr Issa Mousleh.
Outreach and Condolences in Kafr Yasif and Rameh
Following the interfaith greeting, the Patriarch visited Mr Fuad Sha’adeh in the town of Kafr Yasif to offer condolences regarding the repose of members of his family.
The delegation then traveled to the community of Rameh. There, the Patriarch met with the regional prosecutor of Galilee, Mrs Hanin Simaan Muez, to express condolences following the sudden death of her husband, Marwan Muez, who died in a fatal road accident.
Support for Retired Clergy
As part of the visit to Rameh, Patriarch Theophilos III visited the home of retired priest Fr Georgios. Fr Georgios had served the Rameh community in the Acre region for many years.
The Patriarch was joined during this visit by Fr Elias, who currently serves as the parish priest of the community.
Future Implications
Such pastoral visits may serve to strengthen the bonds between the Patriarchate and the diverse religious and civic leaders of the Galilee region. The Patriarchate will continue to prioritize these direct community engagements to maintain regional stability and spiritual support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who accompanied Patriarch Theophilos III on the visit?
The Patriarch was accompanied by Metropolitan Kyriakos of Nazareth, Elder Chief Secretary Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Metropolitan Makarios of Acre–Ptolemais, Archimandrite Christodoulos, Archdeacon Mark, and priests Theodosios Makhoul, Fr Savvas Makhoul, Archimandrite Silouanos, Presbyter Elias, and Fr Issa Mousleh.
Which communities were visited during the tour?
The pastoral visit took place in the region of Ptolemais–Acre, specifically including the village and town of Kafr Yasif and the community of Rameh.
Why did the Patriarch visit Mrs Hanin Simaan Muez?
The Patriarch visited Mrs Hanin Simaan Muez, the regional prosecutor of Galilee, to offer condolences on the sudden death of her husband, Marwan Muez, who died in a fatal road accident.
How do you think direct pastoral visits from religious leaders impact community relations in diverse regions?
