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REJECTION OF THE FALSE STATEMENTS BY “TV WITHOUT BORDERS”

The Patriarchate of Jerusalem categorically rejects the statements published by the media outlet https://tvxs.gr/ “tv without borders”. The statements that ten Greek teachers and thirteen students of the Patriarchate’s School of Zion in Jerusalem remain trapped in Jerusalem against their will, deprived of the right to travel to Greece is completely and utterly false and untrue.

In accordance with the program of the Ministry of Education of Greece, the school’s teachers teach the foster students of the School, who are fully cared for by the Patriarchate with everything they need, are in the School out of their own free will, and may choose to leave and return to Greece at any time of their choice. The teachers and the foster students regularly communicate with their parents and their loved ones.

Regarding this issue and all other matters, arising from the current situation of hostilities that our beloved Holy Land is experiencing, the Patriarchate is in full communication and cooperation with the Greek Consulate General in Jerusalem.

From Secretariat-General




His Beatitude Theophilos III Holds A Memorial Service For The Gaza War Victims

Jerusalem
22 October 2023

This morning, at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, H.B. Theophilos III, held a prayer and memorial service for the souls of the Gaza war victims, and the victims of the Israeli air strike that hit the St. Porphyrius Orthodox Church compound on Thursday, killing at least 18 people who had been seeking shelter in the church, which dates back to the 5th century, and is of at least 1616 years old.

“We appeal to you to awaken the longing for a peaceful life in all those who are filled with hatred for their neighbours, especially those now at war or preparing for war,” the Patriarch said.

At least 450 people had been sheltering at the church complex in Gaza city when it was hit by an Israeli air strike.

The Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem issued a strongly worded statement on the attack.

“The survivors of this horrific bombing are resilient and filled with the spirit of Christ,” the Patriarchate said. “Together with them we continue to display faith through the aftermath of this horrific ordeal. We have come together as a community to support one another, praying for healing and strength in the face of adversity.”

 




JERUSALEM’S CHRISTIAN SPIRITUAL LEADERS HOST THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY AND COLLECTIVELY CALL FOR RESTRAINT, DE-ESCALATION OF VIOLENCE, AND PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS – STATEMENT




H.B. THEOPHILOS III WELCOMES ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY IN JERUSALEM AMIDST GAZA’S HUMANITARIAN CRISIS

Jerusalem, The Holy Land

20 October 2023

 

His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, welcomed this morning, The Most Reverend Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who has commenced a pastoral visit to Jerusalem, arriving at a critical moment marked by a severe humanitarian crisis in the wake of the Anglican Al-Ahli Hospital tragedy and last night’s Israeli bombing of the Orthodox Church compound in Gaza City.

 

In a poignant display of Christian unity and compassion, His Beatitude welcomed Archbishop Justin to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and to the Holy Land at this time of war and humanitarian crisis.

 

These welcoming words were not mere pleasantries but a heartfelt acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of all Christians. Archbishop Justin’s presence serves as a powerful symbol of shared Christian life during the pursuit of peace in turbulent times.

 

Amid the ongoing conflict, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Christian communities of the Holy Land have issued a joint call for an immediate ceasefire and a resolute commitment to the protection of all human lives.

 

The Israeli attack on the Orthodox monastery last night in Gaza emphasizes the urgent need to safeguard churches and their institutions, which often provide shelter to innocent civilians, including women and children who have lost their homes due to airstrikes. Such actions have raised pressing moral and international legal concerns about the sanctity of civilians and holy places during wartime.

 

Despite the grim circumstances of the ongoing war, the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the other Churches in the Holy Land remain resolute in their religious and moral duty to offer assistance, support, and refuge to those in need, even in the face of mounting pressures to evacuate these civilian sanctuaries.

 

In this dark hour, Patriarch Theophilos and Archbishop Justin join in fervent prayer, appealing to Almighty God for a swift end to hostilities and a renewed spirit of understanding and commitment towards a brighter future for all the inhabitants of the Holy Land, born from the crucible of this ongoing conflict.

 

The Patriarchate of Jerusalem expresses profound gratitude to Archbishop Justin for his solidarity, emphasizing that, together, as unified members of the body of Christ, they can be a beacon of hope in a world yearning for peace.




THE PATRIARCHATE OF JERUSALEM CONDEMNS ISRAELI AIRSTRIKES TARGETING HUMANITARIAN INSTITUTIONS IN GAZA

Jerusalem, October 19, 2023

 

The Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem expresses its strongest condemnation of the Israeli airstrike that have struck its church compound in the city of Gaza.

The Patriarchate emphasizes that targeting churches and their institutions, along with the shelters they provide to protect innocent citizens, especially children and women who have lost their homes due to Israeli airstrikes on residential areas over the past thirteen days, constitutes a war crime that cannot be ignored.

Despite the evident targeting of the facilities and shelters of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and other churches – including the Episcopal Church of Jerusalem Hospital, other schools, and social institutions – the Patriarchate, along with the other churches, remain committed to fulfilling its religious and moral duty in providing assistance, support, and refuge to those in need, amidst continuous Israeli demands to evacuate these institutions of civilians and the pressures exerted on the churches in this regard.

The Patriarchate stresses that it will not abandon its religious and humanitarian duty, rooted in its Christian values, to provide all that is necessary in times of war and peace alike.




MOURNING CIVILIAN VICTIMS OF THE MASSACRE IN GAZA AND EXTENDING SOLIDARITY TO THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF JERUSALEM – STATEMENT




STATEMENT ON THE ESCALATING HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN GAZA




THE PATRIARCHS AND HEADS OF CHURCHES IN JERUSALEM UNITE IN A CALL FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE AMIDST UNFOLDING VIOLENCE




PATRIARCHATE OF JERUSALEM INITIATES MEDIATION AND DIALOGUE FOR HEALING IN UKRAINE AND RUSSIA

The Vatican, 29th September 2023

 

During his meeting with Pope Francis in the Vatican today, His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, conveyed the Patriarchate of Jerusalem’s commitment to mediation, fostering dialogue and healing in Ukraine and Russia. This initiative aims to address the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the threat of schism within the body of the Orthodox Church.

Acknowledging the profound pain, His Beatitude stated that the Rum Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, as the Mother of all the Churches, emphasises Christian unity and is deeply concerned about the Orthodox Churches worldwide. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and potential schism within the body of the Orthodox Church affects not only Orthodox Christians but the entire Christian world and people of goodwill.

The Patriarchate, rooted in centuries of reconciliation and peace efforts, offers a hand of goodwill and mediation to sisters and brothers in Ukraine and Russia. This initiative seeks to foster dialogue that may bring about an end to suffering and promote healing within the Orthodox family.

Recognising the challenges and deep divisions, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem is committed to the spiritual mission of dialogue and reconciliation. As Saint Paul wrote, “Christ is our peace,” and the Patriarchate stands ready to assist in any way possible to help end conflict and suffering.

 

For media enquiries please contact Justin Doherty at jd@hemingtonconsulting.co.uk or +44 (0) 7768 330223.



THE PATRIARCH OF JERUSALEM MEETS WITH POPE FRANCIS AND INITIATES CRUCIAL MEDIATION ON RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN CONFLICT

Vatican City, September 29th, 2023

 

His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, has taken a significant step towards fostering dialogue and reconciliation in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. During his visit to the Vatican, attending the ceremony of celebrating the elevation of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pizzaballa to the Sacred College of Cardinals, Patriarch Theophilos met with Pope Francis, and extended the hand of goodwill from the Patriarchate of Jerusalem for Mediation to initiate a fresh dialogue aimed at ending suffering and promoting healing within the Orthodox family.

In his statement, Patriarch Theophilos emphasised the importance of Christian unity, stating that the Rum Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, as the Mother of all the Churches, emphasises Christian unity and is deeply concerned about all the Churches worldwide. He acknowledged the profound impact of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, not only on Orthodox Christians but on the entire global Christian community.

The initiative stems from the Patriarchate’s rich history of reconciliation and peace efforts. It seeks to address the challenges posed by the deep divisions and wounds caused by the conflict. The Patriarchate is committed to the spiritual mission of dialogue and reconciliation, echoing Saint Paul’s words: “Christ is our peace.”

Expressing gratitude during the meeting, His Beatitude commended Patriarch Pizzaballa for his unwavering pastoral dedication to preserving the Christian presence in the region. He recognized the challenges facing Christians and Christian heritage in the Holy Land, particularly the rise of Israeli radical groups. Patriarch Theophilos pointed that these groups have been systematically undermining the legitimate “Status Quo” and the multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and multi-religious nature of the region. “Hate crimes, illegal property acquisitions, vandalism of Christian sites, and mounting pressure pose significant threats” His Beatitude said.

The Patriarchate of Jerusalem is grateful for the support of His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan, Custodian of the holy places, of the efforts to preserve Jerusalem’s Christian and Muslim character amidst these challenges.

His Beatitude ended his meeting with Pope Francis by emphasising that the journey towards dialogue and reconciliation is undoubtedly challenging, but the Patriarchate of Jerusalem stands ready to contribute in any way possible that may bring about an end to conflict and suffering.

His Beatitude’s speech reads as follow:

 

“Your Holiness,

We bring you greetings from our fellow Heads of the Churches of the Holy Land and the blessing of the Holy Tomb of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We rejoice in the elevation of our brother Patriarch Pizzaballa to the Sacred College of Cardinals, and we assure you of the prayers and support of the Heads of the Churches of the Holy Land and of the Christian communities.

As the Custos of the Holy Land and now as Latin Patriarch, he has been steadfast in his pastoral zeal for the Christian presence in our region, and resolute in opposition to all those forces that seek to undermine the integrity of the Christian character of Jerusalem and the Holy Land.

As Your Holiness is well aware, we face deepening challenges and difficulties. While the majority of Jews, Christians, and Muslims in the Holy Land recognise the multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and multi-religious reality of our region, in recent years we have seen the rise of Israeli radical groups that are working systematically to undermine the legitimate “Status Quo” and to reshape our common life. Hate crimes, the underhanded and illegal acquisition of historically Christian properties in strategic locations, vandalism and desecration of church buildings and holy places, and increasing pressure at various levels are evidence of the single greatest danger to our life that we face.

Patriarch Pizzaballa has been, and continues to be, a strong presence and voice in opposition to all this, and he has been responsible over the years in building trust and effective co-operation between our two Brotherhoods so that we may speak and act with a united voice.

We are united and steadfast in routing out this existential danger, and are encouraged by the multitude of support that we are experiencing in particular through the Hashemite Custodianship of the Holy Sites.

We are appreciative to you, Your Holiness, for your ongoing support of a vital and vibrant Christian presence in the Middle East. May God continue to bless you, and may God bless all the peoples of our beloved Holy Land.

As the Mother of all the Churches, the Rum Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem has a special concern for the unity of Christians generally, and especially of the Orthodox Churches around the world. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the threat of schism in the body of the Orthodox Church, are matters of deep pain and difficulty not just for Orthodox Christians, but for the entire Christian world and for all people of good will.   

In our life and witness in the Holy Land, we seek continually for reconciliation and peace. We have come to understand over centuries that true dialogue is the only way to effective reconciliation and lasting peace, and this has been our constant commitment.

It is in this spirit and mindfulness that we extend the hand and effort of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem to our sisters and brothers in Ukraine and Russia, to mediate and do all that we can to initiate a dialogue that may lead to an end to suffering and to a healing within the Orthodox family.

This work will not be easy. The divisions that have occurred over the decades are deep. The wounds of conflict will take time to heal. And trust, once broken, is hard to restore.

But the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, that was built upon the redeeming blood of Lord Jesus Christ, understands all this. Our life down the generations has been forged in the same crucible. We are strangers neither to conflict nor to the new life that is possible beyond it. As Saint Paul reminds us in the Letter to the Ephesians

Christ is our peace; in his flesh he has made both into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us…that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it (Eph. 14-16).

The journey in dialogue to reconciliation is our spiritual mission, and this is our wish for the Church and the peoples of Ukraine and of Russia. We stand ready to assist in any way that we can to help bring an end to conflict and suffering.”