Patr. Theophilos III Meets Diplomats to Address Holy Land Crises
Patr. Theophilos III warns of rising attacks and restricted worship, urging protection of Christian communities and humanitarian access in the Holy Land.
JERUSALEM — His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, met today with Consuls General and members of the diplomatic corps at the Orthodox Patriarchate headquarters to discuss urgent moral and humanitarian challenges facing the Holy Land. During the meeting, he highlighted the heavy human cost in Gaza, praising Christian communities for their steadfast service amid destruction and deprivation. He also stressed the need for sustained international engagement to support rebuilding and interfaith responsibility.
Patr. Theophilos III voiced concern over escalating settler attacks in the West Bank, citing assaults affecting Christian communities in Taybeh and Birzeit, as well as settlement expansion near Beit Sahour. He condemned restrictions on freedom of worship in Jerusalem, including limits during the Holy Fire celebrations and Holy Week, emphasizing that access to holy sites is a sacred right under centuries-old Status Quo arrangements.
He further called for humanitarian access for children with cancer from Gaza to reach Augusta Victoria Hospital and urged the removal of permit obstacles for teachers and essential staff. “Our mission is healing—of bodies, spirits, and human dignity,” he said.
Previously, the UOJ reported that the Romanian Patriarchate presented a Centennial honor to Patr. Theophilos III.
