On November 5, the Feast of St. James the Brother of the Lord and first Bishop of Jerusalem, a Divine Liturgy was held in the church dedicated to him in Jerusalem. The service was led by His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, joined by hierarchs of the Jerusalem Patriarchate and members of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission, including Archimandrite Vasian (Zmeyev) and Deacon Makary Petukhov. In attendance were representatives of the Greek Consulate in Jerusalem, as well as pilgrims from Russia, Greece, and other countries.

The liturgy was celebrated in Greek, Arabic, and Church Slavonic. Afterward, the hierarchs, clergy, and faithful, led by Patriarch Theophilos, proceeded to the Patriarchal throne room to the hymn of St. James. In his address, Patriarch Theophilos highlighted the significance of St. James in the establishment of the Jerusalem Church.

During his homily, Patriarch Theophilos emphasized the importance of patience and endurance in Christian life, quoting St. James’ words on the reward for steadfastness: "Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life" (James 1:12). He remarked that the trials sent to believers help strengthen their faith, following the example of the prophets and apostles.

"Let us ask St. James, the Brother of the Lord, whom we glorify today, along with our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, to intercede for us so that we may bear the trials endured by the faithful in the Holy City of Jerusalem and its surroundings," concluded Patriarch Theophilos.

Following tradition, Patriarch Theophilos then ceremoniously presented the keys of St. James' Church to its custodians for a renewed term, bestowing upon them his blessing, as reported by the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission's website.