Church of Jerusalem

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem is an independent Eastern Orthodox church, fourth in honorific seniority among Orthodox churches. It has been the primary guardian of Christian holy sites in Jerusalem since the 7th century.1

While an early Christian community in Jerusalem existed, it disappeared after Roman destruction. A new Christian center emerged in the 4th century, leading to Jerusalem being made a patriarchate in 451.1

Today, the Patriarchate serves tens of thousands of Arab Christians in Israel and Jordan. However, its patriarchs and bishops are Greek, chosen from the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre. This has sometimes caused tension with the Arab population, from whom the local married clergy is drawn. Services are in Greek in monasteries and Arabic in parish churches.1

Jerusalem is a holy city for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, with numerous sects and churches represented. The Greek Orthodox Church holds significant property in the Holy Land.2