Patriarch Theophilos III Praises King Abdullah as Key Safeguard for Christian Presence in Jerusalem

Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem has described King Abdullah II of Jordan as a key safeguard for the Christian presence in the Holy City. In a statement issued on September 23, the Patriarch praised the Hashemite monarch’s position on Jerusalem and its holy sites, noting that the King’s address to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly conveyed a clear message in defense of peace, justice, and human dignity.

The Patriarch highlighted the significance of the Hashemite Custodianship over the Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. He described this custodianship as a historical, religious, and national responsibility that has helped safeguard the identity and religious character of the Holy City. According to Patriarch Theophilos, these holy sites are an integral part of Jerusalem’s identity and heritage.

From the Church’s perspective, the Patriarch stated that King Abdullah represents one of the most prominent safeguards today for protecting the Christian presence in Jerusalem. He emphasized that the continued presence of Christians constitutes an essential element of Jerusalem’s history and its religious and cultural message. The Patriarch stressed that protecting Jerusalem’s Christian presence cannot be separated from protecting the city itself.

Patriarch Theophilos expressed the firm support of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem for King Abdullah’s positions concerning Jerusalem and his defense of the rights of Christians and Muslims. He welcomed the King’s emphasis on international law and principles and his rejection of double standards. The Patriarch noted that Jordan’s approach represents the continuation of a longstanding Hashemite tradition of protecting holy sites and promoting religious harmony.

The Patriarch emphasized the importance of strengthening the resilience of Jerusalem’s inhabitants while safeguarding the city’s holy sites and identity. He stated that Jerusalem requires responsible positions aimed at protecting its people and holy sites while advancing peace, dialogue, and coexistence among followers of different faiths. The Churches of Jerusalem regard this approach as vital support for the resilience of Jerusalemites.

In his address to the United Nations on September 22, King Abdullah reaffirmed Jordan’s commitment to protecting Christianity and maintaining the Hashemite Custodianship. He also reaffirmed the historic and legal status quo at the holy sites. The Patriarch viewed the King as a steadfast voice in defense of the Holy City, its inhabitants, and its sacred sites.

The mutual recognition of heritage and the shared responsibility for preserving sacred spaces reflect a commitment to communal dignity and stability. As the Patriarch noted, the protection of religious identity is tied to the well-being of the people who inhabit the city. This aligns with the biblical call to pursue peace with neighbors and to uphold justice within one’s community, as seen in the exhortation to live at peace with all people (Romans 12:18) and the desire for the welfare of the city and its inhabitants (Psalm 122:6).

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