Serbian Patr. Porfirije Warns Persecution Threatens Palestine’s Christian Presence

BELGRADE, SERBIA — Serbian Patriarch Porfirije has warned that persecution and discrimination against Christians could threaten the longstanding Christian presence in the Holy Land. In a letter to Ramzi Khouri, head of Palestine’s Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs, the Patriarch voiced concern over the “suffering, persecution and discrimination” experienced by Christians in the Palestinian territories. He said mistreatment of civilians, regardless of religion, contradicts human dignity and principles of justice.

Patr. Porfirije emphasized that Christians have maintained an uninterrupted presence in the Holy Land for more than 2,000 years. He warned that excluding or marginalizing religious or ethnic communities could cause lasting damage to the region’s social and religious cohesion.

The Serbian Orthodox Church said it would continue raising the protection of Christian communities and efforts toward peace in the Middle East during meetings with political leaders and international institutions. The Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs has reported attacks and restrictions affecting Palestinian Christian communities and institutions, including matters involving worship, education, and access to holy sites.

The Patriarch’s letter came amid continuing Israeli military operations in Gaza. According to the source, five Palestinians were killed in a strike on Saturday, including four women, two of whom were Christians. Patr. Porfirije called for the protection of civilians while highlighting the importance of preserving Palestine’s historic Christian population.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. Theophilos met Ambassador Huckabee to discuss Holy Land concerns.