Nicodemus of Jerusalem

His Beatitude Nicodemus of Jerusalem was Patriarch of Jerusalem from 1882 to 1891.

Before becoming patriarch of Jerusalem, Nicodemus was the representative of the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre in Moscow, Russia and thus was on good relations with the Imperial Russian government. He was elected to the see of Jerusalem in 1882, succeeding Patr. Hierotheus.

His relationship with the Russian government enabled him to obtain financing for the patriarchal residence Viri Galilei on the Mount of Olives, and the nearby Chapel of the Virgin Mary. He collected and consolidated manuscripts from the old Orthodox monasteries at a central library in the Monastery of Ss. Constantine and Helena which is inside the Old City of Jerusalem.

He laid the cornerstone of the Russian church of St. Mary Magdalen in Gethsemane on January 21, 1885 and consecrated it on September 29, 1888.

Madaba mosaic map of Jerusalem

During his administration the first reports of the discovery of the mosaics on the floor of Church of St. George were made. However, Patr. Nicodemus was preoccupied attempting to improve the dismal financial status of the patriarchate as well as improving relationships with other Christian communities such that the reports were not a priority with him. The management of the recovery of the mosaics would be done by his successor, Patr. Gerasimus.

Succession box: Nicodemus of Jerusalem
Preceded by: Hierotheus	Patriarch of Jerusalem 1882-1891	Succeeded by: Gerasimus

Help with box

Sources

• Nicodemus, Greek Orthodox Patriarch in Jerusalem (1882-1891)
• The Discovery of the Madaba Mosaic Map