Exchange of Easter wishes

Processions of the different heads of Churches crisscross the Old City streets in the days following Easter as the heads of Churches visit one another to present their Easter wishes. Yesterday, April 26,2011, for example, a procession from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem set out for the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate headed by Patriarch Fouad Twal, accompanied by Emeritus Bishop Kamal Bathish and Vicar for the Hebrew speaking Catholics, Father David Neuhaus. It joined delegations headed by the Syrian Orthodox, Maronite, Greek Catholic, Coptic, Ethiopian, Anglican and Lutheran bishops in the reception hall of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, received there by Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III.

The Latin patriarch addressed the assembled dignitaries, including numerous Greek Orthodox bishops, priests and faithful and the various Church delegations. He underlined the blessed circumstances this year that brought all Christians together in their celebration of Easter. The Greek Orthodox Patriarch followed with his own blessings, underlining the importance of the custody of the Holy Places for all Christians. They were followed by each of the heads of Jerusalem Churches and the hall resounded with the traditional greeting; Christ is risen!