JERICHO, The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III today arrived to the occupied West Bank city of Jericho in anticipation of Epiphany.

Theophilos III headed the annual procession of Epiphany that started in the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem and made its way to the Jordan River accompanied by thousands of Palestinian and international tourists and diplomats, notably the Greek Consul-General in Jerusalem Evangelos Vlioras.

Upon arriving in the city, the primate of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem was received by Jericho Governor Jihad Abu al-Assal and heads of Palestinian security services. There he made his way to the Monastery of Saint John the Baptist, where he was warmly by the scouts.

Spokesman for the Patriarchate Issa Musleh said that ultra-nationalist supremacist Zionism put in place a scheme targeting the holy city of Jerusalem, including carrying out attacks against Christian and Muslim holy places, to create the conditions favorable to the displacement of Palestinians, Christians and Muslims alike, from the occupied city.

Following prayers at the Monastery of Saint John the Baptist, Theophilos III proceeded down to the Jordan River. Vespers and the Service of the Sanctification of the waters were observed on the platform by the river and the service concluded with the diving of the Cross in the river. The same service was simultaneously held at the East Bank on the Jordanian side of the river.

Source: Palestine News & Info Agency