The President of the Hellenic Republic Constantine An. Tassoulas, during a special ceremony at the Presidential Mansion, conferred the following decorations:
• the Grand Commander of the Order of Honour to His Eminence Archbishop Alexios of Tiberias
• the Gold Cross of the Order of Honour to the Most Reverend Archimandrite Mr. Sila
The decorations were accepted by His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem
The address by Mr. Tassoulas follows:
“Your Beatitude, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem
Your Beatitude, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, Mr. Ieronymos
Your Eminences,
Ladies and gentlemen,
With deep emotion and profound respect, we perform today the decoration ceremony for two distinguished servants of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre: His Eminence Archbishop Alexios of Tiberias and the Most Reverend Archimandrite Sila.
Their inability to be physically present at today’s ceremony, for the well-known reasons of force majeure, in no way diminishes the significance of the honor bestowed upon them by the Hellenic Republic. On the contrary, it underscores even more the difficult and extraordinary circumstances in which they carry out their noble mission, circumstances that make their contribution all the more valuable and their example all the more enlightened.
Their decoration is not merely an act of recognition of their personal ministry. It is, at the same time, an expression of the Greek State’s deepest respect for the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and for You personally, Your Beatitude, for ensuring the uninterrupted presence of Orthodoxy in the Holy Land and for the invaluable work you carry out there, often under extremely difficult, complex and painful conditions.
Where human history and religious faith meet and engage in a unique dialogue, the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre has stood for centuries as a vigilant guardian of the Holy Pilgrimage Sites, but also as a witness to a tradition that is not confined to worship. A tradition of ministry, reconciliation, solidarity and protection of the vulnerable, regardless of origin, religion or nationality.
His Eminence Archbishop Alexios of Tiberias, with his longstanding service to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, his devotion to the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre and his presence in the long-suffering Gaza Strip, is a model of spirituality, responsibility and courage. With gentleness, bravery and deep faith, he stands as a fatherly figure, close to people who are enduring severe trials, offering not only words of comfort, but also tangible protection and assistance.
Supporting the Archbishop, the Most Reverend Archimandrite Mr. Silas, for his part, highlights the essence of the monastic and priestly ethos: humble service, self-denial, and a silent yet courageous presence where the need is greatest.
Especially in the tragic circumstances currently facing Gaza, their stance carries particular moral weight. The opening of the doors of the Monastery of Saint Porphyrios to civilians, families, children and people seeking refuge from the horrors of war was a deeply Christian and deeply human act.
In this context, the vibrant presence of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem has significance that transcends ecclesiastical boundaries. It serves as a factor of stability, a bridge of communication and peace. Both honorees, through their work and their conduct, serve this mission in an exemplary manner.
Their decoration by the Hellenic Republic is, therefore, a modest expression of honor and gratitude. Through them, we honor faith turned into action, love that becomes a refuge and the Greek Orthodox tradition that remains alive in the Holy Land, not as a memory of the past, but as an active force of humanity in the present and a hope for a better future for the peoples of the region.
Your Beatitude,
I assure you once again that Greece will continue to stand resolutely by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre, as well as by all those who serve, with faith and self-sacrifice, peace and love for mankind, just as you do.
Thank you.”
Upon receiving the decorations, His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem stated, among other things:
“I thank you on behalf of the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulcher and St. Alexios of Tiberias, as well as the Most Reverend Archimandrite Sila, for the honor you have bestowed upon us today, and this honor, of course, is attributed to the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulcher. From the depths of my heart, I wish to thank you and wish you strength, and may the All- Holy Tomb strengthen you in this high office, which the homeland has entrusted to you. We assure you that we will continue our mission not only as spiritual leaders and spiritual ministers, but also as national representatives of the Nation.”
The President of the Hellenic Republic Constantine An. Tassoulas, added:
“As I was listening to you just now, it occurred to me that they are being awarded not only for their words but also for their acts of comfort, which even at this very moment are being offered to hundreds of our fellow human beings at the Monastery of Saint Porphyrios by the two honorees. And because there is also a tradition of recognition and honor, your words have now reminded me of what Pericles said in his Funeral Oration: “When deeds of brave men have been done their honours should likewise be shown in deeds.” Thus, the Greek State for deeds which have been carried out in practice, expresses its recognition.”
