Patr. Theophilos Meets Ambassador Huckabee to Discuss Holy Land Concerns

JERUSALEM — Patr. Theophilos III of Jerusalem met with U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on July 14 to discuss a range of issues affecting Christians in the Holy Land, including humanitarian aid for Gaza, access to holy sites, and concerns over church property rights.

During the meeting at the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem's Old City, Patr. Theophilos urged Ambassador Huckabee to support the creation of a medical corridor that would allow cancer patients from Gaza, including children, to receive treatment at Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem. Reiterating the Church's humanitarian mission, the Patriarch said, “The Church’s ministry is to help alleviate all human pain.”

The Patriarch also raised concerns about restrictions affecting clergy and pilgrims traveling to Mount Tabor for the upcoming Feast of the Transfiguration. In addition, he discussed the June 15 seizure of Patriarchate-owned property in the Silwan neighborhood by Israeli authorities and expressed concern over what the Patriarchate described as the discriminatory application of Arnona municipal property taxes to Christian churches.

The conversation also turned to the war between Russia and Ukraine. Patr. Theophilos spoke about his efforts to promote dialogue and reconciliation between the two countries through the Church's peacemaking ministry, expressing hope that continued engagement would reduce suffering and help pave the way toward a just and lasting peace.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. Theophilos III blessed the expansion of the Four Homes of Mercy in Bethany.