Pat Theophilos III: The world must confront extremists before it's too late
Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem. Photo: globallookpress.com
In an interview with the Izvestia newspaper, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem said that the world must confront the extremists before it's too late. He said that Christians in the Holy Land are threatened by small groups of well-funded Israeli extremists. These factions are waging a grueling war against the defenseless Christian community.
“We currently represent less than 1% of the population and our numbers are declining. The world must act before it is too late,” the Patriarch of Jerusalem stressed.
His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos specified that if the radicals seize strategic objects en route of Christian pilgrims at the Jaffa Gate, Christians will begin to leave Jerusalem en masse. This is fraught with the loss of a full-fledged Christian community.
“The loss of the Christian community, a community that provides education, health care, humanitarian support to people of all faiths in the region, will have a devastating impact on the most vulnerable part of the population. It will also tragically denigrate the reputation of Jerusalem as the religious capital of the world,” said Patriarch Theophilos.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the Patriarch of Jerusalem spoke about the attacks on Christians by the Zionists.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.