THE NEW U.S. CONSUL-GENERAL TO JERUSALEM VISITS THE PATRIARCHATE
On Wednesday, the 5th/18th of November 2015, at noon, the new Consul-General of the United States to Jerusalem, Mr Donald Blome, visited the Patriarchate. He was accompanied by associates of his.
The new Consul-General was welcomed by H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, in the presence of Hagiotaphite Fathers.
An interesting discussion took place in the context of the visit on the position of Christians in the Holy Land, on their number and immigration, as well as on the refugees and the need to offer financial assistance to Christians in Christian minority schools. Reference was made on the importance placed by the Patriarchate on education and the schools it maintains in Jerusalem, the Village of the Shepherds, Ramallah, Joppa and Remli in Israel, and in Amman, Fhes, Madeba in Jordan.
Also discussed at the meeting was the unruly political situation in Israel and the Palestinian Autonomy as well as the conciliatory and peace-making role undertaken by the Patriarchate in its capacity as guard and keeper of the Holy Shrines, protector of its flock and all Christians in the Holy Land.
The Consul-General of the United States said how much he appreciated the work performed by the Patriarchate and expressed his will for cooperation and support.
From the Secretariat-General
httpv://youtu.be/s085QSKNTbA