It is the ancient Greek Orthodox patriarchate guarding the Holy Places in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and across Israel, Palestine, and Jordan.
The Patriarchate of Jerusalem traces its origin to the apostolic church in Jerusalem under Saint James and was recognized as a patriarchate at the Council of Chalcedon in 451. The Patriarch of Jerusalem leads the church, and its monastic Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre custodies many of the principal Christian shrines in the Holy Land.
Sources
Primary
- Acts of the Council of Chalcedon (451), recognizing the Patriarchate of Jerusalem
Secondary
- John Anthony McGuckin, The Encyclopedia of Eastern Orthodox Christianity (2011)