THE PATRIARCHATE OF JERUSALEM CONDEMNS THE ABDUCTION OF THE NUNS OF SAINT THEKLA MONASTERY

His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem explicitly and completely condemn the abduction of the twelve nuns of the historical Monastery of Saint Thekla in the city of Maaloula of the Patriarchate of Antioch as a violent and flagrant act, which violates the human rights of life, religious freedom and worship.

Quoting the Apostle to the Nations Paul: “If one member suffers, all members suffer together” (1 Corinthians 12:26), the Patriarchate of Jerusalem profoundly participates in the problems of its neighboring Patriarchate of Antioch. While sympathizing with the Patriarchate of Antioch, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem is praying from the All-Holy and Life-Giving Tomb of Christ for the cessation of the hostilities in Syria, for resolution and reconciliation, and it appeals to every responsible official to act for the immediate liberation of the abducted nuns and for their return to the holy monastery of their repentance.

From the Chief Secretariat