12 December 2015

Your Eminences,

Esteemed Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Respected Leaders of NGOs in this region,

Reverend Fathers,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In this season of hope as we prepare for the great Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are here on this occasion to bring hope to some of the neediest in our midst. The words of the prophet Isaiah speak loudly to us:

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light

Those who lived in a land of deep darkness-

on them light has shined

Isaiah 9:2

The displaced people in our midst, from Syria, Iraq and other countries around us, have been living and walking in darkness for some time now, and they look to God for the hope that the light of the incarnation brings to the world. They look also to all of us to be agents of that hope, and for the very practical assistance that they need to survive the horrors of war, persecution, violence and exile from their homes.

This “ Christmas Experience”, which has been organized by Ms. Wafa Goussous and our Patriarchal Office here in Amman is just one of the many ways, in which the Patriarchate of Jerusalem is engaged in humanitarian aid to the displaced community in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. As we know, the situation of the displaced has reached crisis proportions, and it puts an unbearable strain on the resources of the local infrastructure. The present situation requires the immediate and ongoing support of the international community as well as of local agencies so that all may be provided for.

As we extend this helping hand today to the displaced community in our midst, we remember that our Lord Jesus Christ, whose birth we are preparing to celebrate once again, was Himself a displaced person, and for the same reason as those who are displaced today. In the face of persecution and possible death, the infant Christ was taken by Saint Joseh and his Most Holy Mother into exile in Egypt, where they lived until it was eventually safe for them to return to their homes.

This is our prayer also for the displaced community, that after their exile here and elsewhere, then may at last be able to return to their homes and re-built their lives in their communities, where in many cases they and their families have lived for generations. In this time of their displacement, they must know from all of us that they are not alone, that we stand with them in their tragedy, and that we are working not only for their eventual return to their ancient homelands, but are also giving them effective support to flourish while they are living among us.

In this season of hope, we renew our call to the international community, to governments and the diplomatic service, to do all in their power to continue and to broaden the services that need to be provided here and elsewhere in the region for the displaced community. These services include proper housing, educational institutions and programs, medical provision, employment training and opportunities, and especially a range of supports for children and young people to ensure that they do not slip through the cracks into the hands of those who will abuse them, recruit them into radical extremist groups, and perpetuate the horror that has gripped our region.

We are encouraged that the Foreign Ministry of Greece is establishing an Office for an Observer to monitor the situation in the Middle East, especially as it affects the Christian population of our various countries here. This is a positive and necessary step.

However, we cannot lose our focus. The Patriarchate of Jerusalem is able to make a modest contribution in support of the displaced community, but this contribution of the Church has a huge moral impact. We have the advantage of being able to deliver aid directly to those in need, without huge overheads and complicated bureaucracy. And because we are not affiliated with any government, and because ours is a spiritual and humanitarian mission and not a political one, we are open to partnerships with all. Through our Office in Amman, our staff, our clergy, and our local communities, we are able to reach the displaced quickly and effectively, and we invite other agencies to partner with us. Together we can have a much greater impact than any of us can have on our own. We stand ready. Help us to help those most in need. There is no time to lose in this work, and history will judge harshly those who stood by.

It is in our power to help to redeem a desperate situation for hundreds of thousands of displaced persons. The pressure that we are under in this region has the potential to bring together both Christians of different Churches and confessions, as well as people of good will across the divides of faith, culture and ethnicity. As Christians we remember the words of Saint Paul, who said:

For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake.  For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. ”

May God bless the work that is done here, and may God prosper us all as we seek to bring the light of hope at a time of darkness.

Thank you.

His Beatitude

THEOPHILOS III

Patriarch of Jerusalem.

On Saturday, the 19^th of November/12^th of December 2015, H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, in the context of a pastoral visit to Jordan, arrived at the Patriarchate’s Bishopric in the town of Irbid in Northern Jordan, the See of the Patriarchal Commissioner in N. Jordan, Archbishop Philoumenos of Pella.

The Patriarch was warmly welcomed by the Mayoral and Prefectural Authorities, the Boy Scouts, Archbishop Philoumenos of Pella, priests and the people.

His Beatitude went on to lead the Matins and divine Liturgy having as concelebrants: Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Metropolitan Joachim of former Zambia, Archimandrite Ieronymos, hegoumen in Fhes, the parish’s vicars, presbyter Abdullah Marji and Archimandrite Christophoros, spiritual father at the Monastery of the Life-giving Spring in Dibin, and priests in Irbid. The church’s choir sang in the Byzantine style and a crowd of Orthodox attended the service. To the pious congregation, Patriarch Theophilos preached the Word of God in Greek, see link:

https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/gr/2015/12/12/29848

And in Arabic, see link:

https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2015/12/13/16820

Many among the faithful partook in the sacrament of the Holy Communion for their strengthening, blessing and salvation.

Before the apolysis, His Beatitude offered a fine icon of Theotokos for St George Church in Irbid, an engolpion to the Patriarchal Commissioner, Archbishop Philoumenos of Pella, and a pectoral cross to f. Abdullah Marji. His Eminence Philoumenos offered the Patriarch an Archbishop’s staff.

The divine Liturgy was followed by reception at the hegoumen’s quarters, where Patriarch Theophilos offered icons to all present, and was addressed by f. Abdullah on behalf of the Community and Archbishop Philoumenos. Youth representatives offered the Patriarch a commemorative plaque with Irbid’s emblem before Patriarch Theophilos addressed guests in Arabic, see link:

https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2015/12/11/16845

After the Patriarch’s speech, the Patriarchal Commissioner extended thanks for His moral and financial support of the Community of Irbid, particularly for the construction of the Church and adjacent halls.

The event was followed by lunch hosted by Archbishop Philoumenos in honour of the Patriarch and His attendants.

From the Secretariat-General

A. Visit to Fhes

On Friday the 28^th of November/11^th of December 2015, H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, crossed the Jordan River bridge near the site of the Baptismal of the Lord and arrived at the town of Fhes, a suburb of Amman, Jordan. He was accompanied by the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos; the Patriarchate’s liaison with Arabic-speaking Media, f. Isla Musleh; and Archdeacon Evlogios.

There, on the conclusion of the d. Liturgy, the Patriarch officiated at the forty-day memorial for the late Elias Sues, dedicated servant of the Greek-Orthodox Community. Co-officiating were Archimandrite Ieronymos, hegoumen of the Community, and the Community’s vicars. Relatives of the departed priest attended the ceremony.

In honour of Elias Sues, the Patriarch addressed the faithful in Arabic, see link:

https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2015/12/11/16843

After distributing the antidoron, Patriarch Theophilos offered His condolences to the late priest’s family.

B. Visit to Marka

On the afternoon of the same day, His Beatitude visited Marka quarter in Amman, particularly St Nicholas Church, to offer His moral support after the recent incident of arson against the church’s bema. The church was built on land offered by the Jordan Government, by means of financial aid provided by the Patriarchate on the supervision of presbyter f. Issa Ayas.

C. Meeting with Advisory Committee

On the evening of the same day, His Beatitude and attendants met at the Bishopric in Amman with representatives of the Advisory Committee appointed by the Patriarch. The representatives presented issues of interest to the flock in Amman i.e. the inauguration of churches in Jordan, the event organized by UCLAN Cyprus for the benefit of Syrian refugees, financial aid for St Nicholas, Marka, the establishment of a student fund, the foundation of a school in Salt and other towns of Jordan, as well as the upcoming plenary meeting of the Advisory Committee.

From the Secretariat-General

On Wednesday the 18^th of November/2^nd of December 2015, UCLAN University hosted a humanitarian event with the aim of providing financial aid to Syrian refugees. The event was held at the University’s Hall of Events.

His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, was invited by Mr Floros Voniatis, President of the University’s Board, to participate in the event. He was accompanied by Metropolitan Timotheos of Vostra, the Holy Sepulcher’s Exarch in Cyprus, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, and Archdeacon Evlogios.

On His arrival at Larnaka airport, the Patriarch was welcomed by Archbishop Chrysostomos of Cyprus, Metropolitan Timotheos of Vostra, Archimandrite Ieronymos Pyliotis, a close collaborator of UCLAN, and other Cypriot clerics.

From the airport, His Beatitude went to the Exarchate in Nicosia, where the Exarch hosted lunch in honour of the Patriarch and the Archbishop of Cyprus.

The “event for love” opened with an address by Mr Voniatis, who underlined the highest scientific level of UCLAN University and went on to add that, during a visit to Jordan, he had witnessed how the Patriarchate of Jerusalem supported the displaced from Syria, now residing at the Za atar refugee camp. That visit provided the inspiration for the event at UCLAN, he said.

In His address to participants, Patriarch Theophilos characterized UCLAN’s initiative kind and well-liked by god, adding that the Church of Jerusalem, being an undeniable witness of our Saviour’s philanthropy, has never ceased to care for those in need, in alignment with the words of the Apostle Paul: If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it. (Corinthians A, 12, 26)

“The establishment of Academic Institutions in Cyprus, i.e. the Theological School founded on the initiative of Archbishop Chrysostomos, and UCLAN University on the initiative of Mr Voniatis, opens up new paths of closer collaboration between Cyprus and the Patriarchate of Jerusalem in the field of education, to the benefit of peoples in the wider region and Christians as a whole”, said Patriarch Theophilos.

Ms Wafa Gousous, head of the Patriarchate’s Office in Amman and actively engaged in the support of Syrian refugees in Jordan, praised the University’s humanitarian initiative and succinctly presented the Patriarchate’s work in Jordan.

Her address was followed by church hymns performed by the Choir of the Bishopric of Kition, under the direction of Mr Andreas Avraam Vavis. Traditional Cypriot songs and dances were also performed.

The event closed with the Philharmonic Choir of the Bishopric of Tamassos, under the blessings of its shepherd, Metropolitan Isaiah, and the direction of Mr Charilaos Nikolaides.

From the Secretariat-General

On Sunday, the 9^th/22^nd of November 2015, feast-day of St Nektarios the miracle-worker, Archbishop of Pentapolis, the Patriarchate celebrated the 10^th anniversary of the Enthronement of His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem.

On the occasion of this fortunate event, Doxology was performed at the katholikon of the All-holy Church of the Resurrection, led by His Beatitude. Co-officiating were Hagiotaphite Primates and Hieromonks, having as concelebrants Hagiotaphites, members of the Arabic-speaking flock, and pilgrims, in the presence of Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis, Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem.

On the conclusion of Doxology, concelebrants returned to the Patriarchates, where His Eminence Aristarchos, Archbishop of Constantina, addressed the Patriarch on behalf of the Holy and Sacred Synod.

In his speech, Archbishop Aristarchos spoke of the work performed by the Patriarch since His enthronement, work that is worthy of His predecessors, the late Patriarchs of Jerusalem. Special reference was made to the Patriarch’s particular sensitivity towards the safekeeping and maintenance of the Holy Shrines, that recently led to the structural enhancement of the Aedicula of the Holy Sepulcher by a group of specialized professors from Athens Polytechnic and restoration works on the roof of the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Archbishop Aristarchos also remarked on how the Patriarchate utilizes its property for the benefit of Christians in the Holy Land, i.e. building settlements in Bethlehem and Beit-Jala, and of the harmonious relations it maintains with its sister Orthodox Churches.

The Greek Consul-General then took the floor in order to express Greece’s appreciation, recognition and respect for the religious and national work performed by the Patriarch, conveying the warmest wishes for success in the historical mission He has undertaken. “For Greece”, Mr Zacharoudiakis said, “the protection of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and its historical rights is a priority. This holy Institution symbolizes our diachronic presence in the Holy Land as well as our traditionally friendly and constructive relations and our collaboration in the region, putting into practise the spirit of the ecumenical values of Hellenism”.

Representatives of the Patriarchates of Russia and Romania then addressed the Patriarch, as well as members of the flock.

His Beatitude spoke last, saying that He has been called upon to prove Himself worthy of His Hagiotaphite mission, “clothed” according to the Apostle Paul, “with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with each other… and over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity”. [Col. 2, 12-13]

The Patriarch’s address was translated into Arabic by the Patriarchate’s Liaison with Arabic Mass Media, f. Issa Mousleh, and posted here: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/ar/2015/11/22/16147

After those present paid their respects to the Patriarch, Hagiotaphites and guests were hosted to festive lunch.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/wjEC6QN7vtg

On Saturday, the 8^th/21^st of November 2015, the Patriarchate observed the feast of the Gathering of the Apostles Michael and Gabriel and all the heavenly Bodiless Powers in the city of Joppa, at the homonymous Monastery by the sea. The divine Liturgy was led by His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem. Co-officiating were: Metropolitan Kyriakos of Nazareth; Archbishops Damascene of Joppa, Aristarchos of Constantina, Nektarios of Anthedon; Metropolitan Joachim of former Zambia; Hieromonks as Archimandrite Ieronymos, hegoumen in Fhes, Jordan; Archimandrite Bartholomew, Archimandrites Alexandros and Leontios of the Russian MISSIA in Jerusalem; Archimandrite Nephon, Archdeacon Evlogios, Hierodeacon Markos and Archimandrite Timofti of the Monastery of the Archangels. Head cantor Mr Martinakos, invited by the Archbishop of Joppa, sang on the right in Greek whilst the Choir of Joppa sang in Arabic. In attendance were the Greek ambassador to Israel, Mr Spyridon Lamprides, the Ambassador of Cyprus and other diplomats.

To the pious congregation His Beatitude preached the Word of God in Greek.

The divine Liturgy was followed by reception at the hegoumeneion, then by lunch hosted by Archbishop Damascene of Joppa.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/7pe10xkY-wQ

httpv://youtu.be/rQ3UYTte8p8

On Monday, the 3^rd/16^th of November 2015, the Patriarchate commemorated the translation of the relics of St George the Great Martyr and Trophy Bearer, and the inauguration of the church dedicated to his name in Lydda (Lod) in the 4^th c. AD.

The relics of St George had been translated from Rome, where he had suffered a martyr’s death, to Lydda, the birthplace of his mother, where it was buried in a tomb over which a magnificent church was constructed on the instructions of St Helena. The church opened on the 3^rd of November, the day on which we celebrate the translation of the saint’s relics, whilst the 23^rd of April commemorates his death.

St George’s Church has suffered damages and attrition throughout the history of Palestine, but has remained one of the Patriarchate’s Shrines and the Church of the Greek Orthodox Arabic-speaking Community in Lydda, numbering approximately 1300 members.

The divine Liturgy was led by Patriarch Theophilos having as concelebrants: Archbishops Damascene of Joppa and Aristarchos of Constantina; Metropolitan Joachim of former Zambia, and Bishop Isaiah visiting from the Czech Lands and Slovakia, Hagiotaphite Hieromonks of neighbouring towns; Archimandrite Sophronios, Hegoumen in Rene; Archimandrite Ieronymos, Hegoumen in Fhes, Jordan; the Head of the Russian MISSIA, Archimandrite Leontios; the Hegoumen in Remle, Archimandrite Niphon, Archdeacon Evlogios and deacon Synesios. Archimandrite Aristovoulos sang with the Community’s cantors in Greek and Arabic in the presence of Mr Alexandros Gennimatas, representative of the Hellenic Embassy to Israel; the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Israel; the Georgian Ambassador and a crowd of faithful that included Greek Orthodox Arabic-speaking locals, as well as visitors from the adjacent towns of Joppa and Remli, but also from Galilee and the occupied areas.

During Communion, His Beatitude preached the Word of God in Greek.

After the distribution of the antidoron and the apolysis, a reception was held at the Hegoumen’s quarters, followed by lunch hosted by Archimandrite Nicodemus and the Community of Lydda.

The representatives of the Embassies of Greece, Cyprus and Georgia attended lunch and were addressed in English by the Chairman of the Community. See link: https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/2015/11/16/18063

From the Secretariat-General  

httpv://youtu.be/R5av9FBrPLc

httpv://youtu.be/S_boa7KZqjE

3–4 November 2015

Your Beatitude,

Your Eminences,

Your Graces,

Beloved Pastors,

Sisters and Brothers,

We greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and we bring you the greetings of your Cristian sisters and brothers of the Holy Land. At this time of deepening crisis in the Middle East, Christians from every Church and community are united in suffering, and as we come to Egypt, where there have been many sacrifices, we wish to express our solidarity with you.

As we meet in the Executive Committee, we wish to emphasize some issues that we have mentioned before, both to the Middle East Council of Churches and to other meetings.

First we must always do our best to ensure that, as the Leaders of the Churches and Christian communities of the Middle East, we are united. We cannot allow any difference or spirit of rivalry to infect our common witness and common mission. In so many parts of our region, Christians are at risk of violence, persecution, death and exile and no persecutor is concerned with any distinctions.

As the Leadership of the Middle East Council of Churches, therefore, we must show a united front, and ensure that this united front is the sign of united action on behalf of all our faithful. We can, and we must, speak with one voice, so that people both at the Middle East and around the World see that we are working together to stop the horrific crimes that are happening to so many innocent people and that we are also working together to support and care for all those who are in any kind of need.

We recognize a special role for the Christian Leaders here in defending the Christians in this country. Egypt boasts a noble Christian civilization that goes back to the earlier centuries of the Church. Here Christianity came very early from the Holy Land, and here the first ascetics moved to the desert, where the monastic tradition flourishes to this day. Here in modern times, in addition to the Coptic Church, there are the Rum Orthodox, Roman Catholics, as well as the Anglican diocese, the groups of Protestants, all of them indigenous communities of Egyptian Christians. We in the Middle East Council of Churches wish to reassure the Church leaders of our support and encouragement in their pastoral concern for all Christians in this country.

While the Middle East Council of Churches must speak with one voice and help to lead in the service of the Christian communities of the region, we must also be in a willing partner with all people of good will, including Muslim leadership, in opposing extremism and violence, and in securing peaceful co-existence. Ours is a region in which peoples of different faiths, cultures and ethnicities have been able to live side by side for centuries and this is rich cultural diversity must be restored and even strengthened for the well-being of all.

In addition to this, the Middle East Council of Churches must continue to find ways to help the displaced and persecuted at the local level in a range of practical ways. Our relationships with Churches and non-governmental organizations outside our region are crucial. We have an obligation to enable our local communities to work in mature, organized ways and to create effective partnerships between our local communities and those outside our region, who have the capacity and the willingness to make a difference. The existence of many thousands of people in the Middle East worsens with each passing day, and they need specific assistance, from decent accommodation to health care, to education to job training.

As we look to the future, we are planning our next General Assembly. This will be a decisive meeting, and many eyes will be on us, as we respond to the current situation. This meeting will have two sections, the first, the General Assembly itself at which the Secretary General will be elected, and the second the regional and Ecumenical Church Leaders Summit.

We propose and believe that this meeting should take place in a suitable environment, such as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Because of its importance and the large number of people both from our region and around the world who will need to be in attendance, we consider that Jordan provides the most convenient location. In the present state of conflict, Jordan continues to be the country in which it is easiest for all the Middle Eastern leadership to gather, and it is important that we meet in the region and not outside the region if this is at all possible.

We are pleased to say that we have secured the support of His Majesty King Abdullah II for such a gathering, and we have also managed to secure the necessary funding for the meeting to take place in Amman. We encourage the Executive Committee to support the choice of Amman as the site for the Next General Assembly.

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

we face a critical time both for the Middle East Council of Churches and our region. We to whom the leadership of the Churches has been entrusted by divine providence must not shrink from taking decisive action to support an active and vibrant Christian presence in the Middle East and to oppose violence and discrimination of any kind against any individual or community.

We are living witnesses of great risks and immeasurable costs. Too many lives are been lost, too many communities dispersed, too many ancient and Holy Places destroyed. This cannot continue, and the eyes of the world look to us for responsible Christian leadership.

May God bless our common task at this meeting and may God bless all those who are working to bring peace and reconciliation to our region. As we remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ from the Sermon of the Mount:

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:6– 10)

 Thank you.

His Beatitude

THEOPHILOS III

Patriarch of Jerusalem.

On Wednesday, the 15^th/28^th of October 2015, Doxology was performed at the katholikon of the Church of the Resurrection in commemoration of the 28^th of October 1940 National Day.

Doxology was held in the form of gratitude to God for liberating the Greek nation from the 1940-1944 German occupation, and also of supplication for the repose of the soul of those who fought heroically against the tyrant and fell gloriously for the national cause.

Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem led the Doxology with co-officiating Primates and Hagiotaphite Hieromonks, in the presence of Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis, Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem. The service was attended by members of the Greek parish of Jerusalem and of the Rum Orthodox Arabic-speaking flock.

On the conclusion of the service, the Patriarch, Primates and guests walked to the Patriarchate, where His Beatitude addressed everyone in Greek, referring to the Greeks’ struggle against Nazism as a great miracle of mental strength, love for the homeland and unwavering faith to the Crucified and Resurrected Lord.

Mr Zacharoudiakis, the Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem, also addressed guests in Greek, saying that the 28^th of October has been indelibly marked on our collective consciousness as a foundation of national identity. “Hellenism across the world”, said the Consul-General, “celebrates this day as one of the most glorious chapters in the country’s recent history. Greeks celebrate their magnificent and unanimous decision to defend their moral stature and fight with self-denial for the preservation of their ideals, justice and liberty”.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfwRB6RIyv8

18-20 October 2015

Your Excellency, Mr. Kotzias

Your All-Holiness,

Your Beatitudes,

Distinguished Members of the Foreign Ministry,

Your Eminences,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We bring you greetings from the Holy City of Jerusalem and from the Christian community of the Holy Land, and we commend this conference for the attention that you are giving to the subject of peaceful religious and cultural coexistence in the Middle East. The situation throughout the region is, as we all know, one of extreme difficulty, and it is clear that ways must be found for the international community to play a decisive role in ending conflict, violence, persecution, and destruction. The situation that we face is unprecedented in modern times, and the current violence threatens not only the viability of the countries of the region; it threatens our very identity.

We are encouraged by the fact that the Government of Greece plans to open a centre in Athens that will serve as an Observer of the state of affairs in the Middle East. This office will follow closely the situation, especially of Christians in our region, document the problems and violations that occur, find effective ways of making the true situation known more broadly around the world, and so make more possible international relief for those who are persecuted and suffering.

This is an important development. We are deeply appreciative to the Greek Government and to the Foreign Ministry for this initiative, and welcome it.

It is urgent that we find practical solutions and practical help without delay to bring real aid and assistance directly to those who are displaced and afflicted. For the numbers of people who are moving around our region are staggering, and now Europe is feeling the immediate impact of the reality that countless people believe they have no future in their homes in the Middle East. The countries of the region cannot continue to bear the pressure of so much migration.

We face an uncertain future, but this must not delay action. Of the many concerns that face us in the Middle East, at the top of our priority is the enduring integrity of our multi-cultural, multi­ethnic, and multi-religious landscape. We have long asserted, and continue to assert, that a vital and strong Christian presence is, and has always been, essential to the integrity and to the flourishing of the region. We have no other option than to remain steadfast and carry on our mission.

We are experiencing the reality that enormous segments of the population of a number of countries are now displaced, especially from Syria. The pressure on countries who are hosting the displaced is now unbearable at every level, especially in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. For those who are displaced, it is now practically impossible to get in or out of Jordan, for example, and among them are many Christians who are being persecuted by radical religious groups. But there are also many other religious and ethnic groups among the displaced, including Muslims, who are also being violently persecuted.

While the governments of the region and the international community search for ways to bring about peace and reconciliation in the region, in the meantime others, including the local religious leadership, have a responsibility to take action to help those in need.

Therefore we wish to make these clear suggestions to this conference, and beyond this conference, to others who have it in their power to assist in bringing aid and relief.

We are of course concerned most particularly with the children and youth among the displaced, as they are especially vulnerable. So we need not only food, but also education for the new populations of the displaced, along with the infrastructure to support them, including teachers and other staff. We also see the importance of extended school days and after-school programs to ensure that the youth of the displaced communities are occupied in worthwhile activity, and as a consequence, less susceptible to abuse, human trafficking, and recruitment into terrorist organizations.

In addition to this, there is a great need for accommodation – for housing projects. The so-called refugee camps are full, and in any case these camps are not suitable even for short-term residence. A strategy is needed to secure the kind of accommodation that is appropriate, especially for families. Once again, we acknowledge that secure homes contribute to the general health and well-being of persons and families, and also to their stability in a community.

There is an immediate need for health clinics, as well as centers that deliver practical help in the form of job-training and other concrete steps to assist the displaced to be able to work and be otherwise usefully occupied. There are too many who are now in a cycle of chronic unemployment, with no hope for the future of their children. Many, of course are suffering from health problems either as a result of being the victims of war and violence, or as a result of the difficulties of migration, and these problems must be addressed simply from a humanitarian point of view.

As you can understand from this brief presentation, the way forward is not complicated to conceive, but it can be very difficult to implement. We say this from our own experience. Our office in Amman is completely dedicated to assisting those who have been settled in the camps, and we have been building partnerships with others in this mission whose contribution, though small and symbolic, has a great moral impact. And so we encourage people to hope.

We who make the Middle East our home strive every day to find solutions to these challenges, and this is why we need the help of the international community as never before. In this regard, we are asking for partners who will work with us, who know the situation and the population intimately, who have generations of experience and who have the ability to deliver aid directly to those most in need.

From time immemorial, the population of the Middle East has been one in which civilization has thrived, in which peoples of many faiths, cultures, traditions, and ethnicities have met, and in which peoples of many faiths, cultures, traditions, and ethnicities have lived side by side, often in close and intimate interaction. This is the true Middle East, and once again we take this opportunity to thank all of you for the efforts you are making on behalf of all in our region – and to remind you of the words of Saint Paul who said, “suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us” (Rom. 5:3-5).

May God bless this conference, and may God bring peace, through our humble efforts and cooperation, to the Middle East and all our peoples.

Thank you.

His Beatitude

THEOPHILOS III

Patriarch of Jerusalem