Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarchate
Ain Traz, Aley, Lebanon
December 2017
Good Wishes for Christmas
and the New Year 2018
Dear Friends
This year’s festive greetings are inspired by my pilgrim visit to the Holy Land in October 2017, after a seventeen-year absence and twenty-six-year service.
You were in my prayers, especially at the Church of the Resurrection and that of the Nativity at Bethlehem and in the other holy places that I visited.
My prayer for you is one of thanks to the Saviour and to you, because you have been my companions along my priestly, episcopal and patriarchal road, through your love, generosity and friendship. Those were fruitful years of service, with projects to the glory of God and for the welfare of my sons and daughters! In reflecting on the course of my priestly, episcopal and patriarchal life (lasting fifty-eight years) I have discovered that projects occurred annually, meaning that there were altogether fifty-eight such!
Thanks to the Saviour and to you for this abundant harvest. God and your love have filled my life with fruitfulness and dedication.
With these feelings, I wish you a Merry Christmas, after my retirement from patriarchal service! Please continue to accompany me with your prayers and love.
I repeat my favourite saying: I love you!
Merry Christmas!
Happy and Holy 2018!
+Gregorios III
Patriarch of Love, Reconciliation and Peace!