Member of the PLO Executive Committee and Head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, Dr. Ramzi Khouri, emphasized the profound significance of Mar Saba Monastery as a national symbol of the Palestinian people. He emphasized the shared duty of the Palestinian people to uphold its sanctity and safeguard its rich legacy. Khouri highlighted the role of the Presidential Committee in fostering partnership with Palestinian governmental bodies, aimed at ensuring the monastery’s status as pilgrimage site, revered by people from around the world.
This statement was made during a visit to the monastery, where he met with the monastery’s head, Archimandrite Avthokimos, alongside monks and religious figures.
Accompanying Dr. Khouri on the visit, were Mohammad Taha Abu Aliya, governor of Bethlehem, Hani al-Hayek, minister of tourism and antiquities, the mayors of Bethlehem, al-Ubeidya, Beit Sahour and Beit Jala, heads of the Palestinian security apparatuses in Bethlehem, and representatives of Orthodox associations and institutions in Bethlehem.
Khouri conveyed the greetings of President Mahmoud Abbas, reiterating the unwavering dedications of the Palestinian leadership to Palestinian historical and heritage sites, including Mar Saba Monastery, recognizing it as an iconic national landmark. He also relayed directives from the President and the Prime Minister, underscoring the imperative to safeguard the monastery and its properties.
In closing, Khouri emphasized that the broader interests of the Palestinian people necessitated unity and cohesion, urging against yielding to discordant voices. He pointed out to the Israeli egregious violations against Muslim and Christian holy sites in occupied Jerusalem, as well as, the severe restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities on the freedom of worship.
