OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem and All Palestine and Jordan, Theophilos III, warned of the dangerous escalation of Israeli settler attacks in the West Bank, noting that their assaults have recently targeted a number of Palestinian towns and villages, including Al Taybeh and Birzeit.
The Patriarch expressed deep concern over the rapid expansion of settlement activity in the surroundings of the city of Beit Sahour, warning of its repercussions for the Palestinian and Christian presence in the area.
The Patriarch’s remarks came during his reception on Friday of the Consuls General and members of the diplomatic corps at the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem, in the presence of a number of members and representatives of the Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, alongside representatives of church institutions.
During the meeting, Patriarch Theophilos addressed the urgent moral responsibilities placed on the international community toward the Holy Land and its people, highlighting the heavy humanitarian cost borne by Palestinians, with particular focus on the Gaza Strip, where destruction and deprivation against innocent civilians continue.
The Patriarch recalled his pastoral visit to the Gaza Strip accompanied by the Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, praising the steadfastness of church institutions that continue to carry out their mission of service and care despite the harsh conditions.
He emphasized the importance of serious international engagement in reconstruction efforts, and of strengthening the principle of shared responsibility among religions in confronting the escalating humanitarian suffering.
Patriarch Theophilos said, “The Church cannot turn its back on human pain, for our Lord teaches us that what we do for a human being we do for God. This truth is what guides our presence and the fulfillment of our duty in this land.”
The Patriarch addressed the Israeli restrictions imposed on the freedom to practice religious rites in the city of Jerusalem, including the tightened measures during the celebrations of Holy Saturday and Holy Week, affirming that access to the holy sites is a firmly established right for more than 2000 years, and is guaranteed within the arrangements of the Status Quo.
He pointed to the severe restrictions on the numbers of worshippers permitted to reach the holy sites, the disruption of the traditional participation of scout groups, and the imposition of coercive military measures, considering these practices unacceptable violations of freedom of worship and human dignity.
The Patriarch renewed the Church’s call to open an urgent humanitarian corridor that would allow children with cancer in the Gaza Strip to reach Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem to receive the necessary treatment.
He also stressed the need to address obstacles related to permits for teachers and essential workers in Jerusalem schools, due to their direct impact on the educational process and livelihoods.
Patriarch Theophilos concluded by affirming the essence of the Church’s message, saying, “Our mission is healing, the healing of bodies and the healing of souls, and the safeguarding of the dignity that God has granted to every human being.”
