In response to recent speculation regarding the Orthodox Church in Gaza providing refuge to forcibly displaced families, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem reaffirms that its doors remain open to all in need. True to its mission of love, mercy, and service, the Church has always been and will continue to be a sanctuary for the suffering, without discrimination or conditions.
The Patriarchate emphasizes that the Orthodox Church in Gaza, whose presence in this sacred land dates back to the earliest centuries of Christianity, has never faltered in its humanitarian duty. It will continue to shelter those seeking refuge within its walls, ensuring that all who have found safety in the Church remain welcome for as long as necessary.
Despite immense challenges, the Patriarchate remains steadfast in its commitment to sustaining its humanitarian efforts in Gaza, dedicating all available resources to provide shelter and support to afflicted families. Inspired by the teachings of Jesus Chris, who calls us to be a light in times of darkness and a source of hope for the oppressed, the Church stands resolute in its sacred mission. The Patriarchate also prays for justice in the Holy Land, urging people of conscience worldwide to stand in solidarity with the victims of war and to work earnestly toward ending their suffering in a spirit of brotherhood and unity.
In this context, the Holy Synod of Jerusalem, presided over by His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and All Palestine and Jordan, convened at the Patriarchate’s headquarters to address various administrative, ecclesiastical, and pastoral matters concerning the Church, its monasteries, clergy, and faithful. The session commenced with prayers for the late Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, of blessed memory, and a commemoration of the late Archimandrite Ierotheos, former Abbot of the Monastery of Saint Theodosius in Al-Ubeidiya.
His Beatitude also expressed profound gratitude to His Excellency Dr. Ramzi Khouri, Head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, along with all committee members and staff, for their instrumental role in restoring and upholding the Status Quo at the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Their decisive actions in reaffirming the customary ecclesiastical arrangements, as established prior to the disputes of the 2020 Christmas season, have been vital in fostering an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual respect among all concerned parties.
During its deliberations, the Holy Synod issued several resolutions, including new ecclesiastical appointments in monasteries and churches, the conferral of clerical ranks, and commendations for clergy members on their academic and health-related achievements. His Beatitude also briefed the Synod on the recent visit of the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Greek Minister of Culture to the Patriarchate. Notably, the Greek Foreign Minister pledged to raise the Patriarchate’s concerns—particularly regarding the Monastery of Saint Porphyrios in Gaza—before the international community.
At the conclusion of the Holy Synod’s proceedings, the Patriarchate offered prayers for peace in the Holy Land and across the world, extending its blessings to the faithful of the Jerusalemite Church. It wished them a spiritually fulfilling Lenten season, abundant in divine grace. The Patriarchate also prayed that Christ, who willingly endured suffering, may shine the light of His Resurrection into the hearts of all who grieve, granting them peace and divine consolation.
