During a Meeting with the Head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem, Khouri States, “We Reaffirm the Crucial Role of Russia and its churches in supporting the Palestinian People”

Member of the PLO Executive Committee and Head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, Dr. Ramzi Khouri met at his office in Ramallah with Archimandrite Vassian (Zmeyev), head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem.

Discussing the latest developments in Palestine, Khouri noted that the challenges faced by the Palestinian people fall within the scope of Israeli plans aimed at ending the Palestinian cause. He highlighted the unfolding genocide in the Gaza Strip, where mass starvation and forced displacement have persisted for over six months. He also briefed the guest on the continuous and systematic violations against Muslim and Christian holy sites in occupied Jerusalem, as well as settlers rampage throughout the occupied West Bank.

For his part, Archimandrite Vassian (Zmeyev) conveyed the greetings of Patriarch Kirill I of Moscow and all Russia to His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas, emphasizing his solidarity with the Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip. He expressed his hopes for an end to the war and for the Palestinian to achieve their inalienable rights.

Khouri expressed appreciation for the unwavering support of Russia and its churches, as well as their efforts to support the Palestinian people, especially in preserving the cultural and historical heritage of the Church.

They both discussed matters of mutual concern and emphasized on the necessity of joint collaboration. Archimandrite Vassian (Zmeyev) praised the significant role played by the Higher Presidential Committee for Churches Affairs in Palestine in serving the Palestinian people and enhancing the role of Churches and their institutions.

The meeting was attended by Yury Romashuk, the mission’s advisor in Palestine, Musa Hadeed, a member of the committee, Raed Hanania, Director of Public Relations and Media, and Omar Aboudi, Director of Projects.