Churches in Jordan and Palestine ring bells in solidarity with victims of hate attack against Orthodox church

Churches in Jordan and Palestine have rung their bells on Saturday afternoon as a tribute to the lives of those who were killed and injured in a terrorist attack against the Orthodox Roman Church of St. Jaorgius in Hamoud, Kark governorate. The act of ringing bells was a solemn expression of solidarity with the families of the victims and the injured, as well as a demonstration of unity and shared grief across religious communities.

The attack occurred during a funeral ceremony, a time of mourning and remembrance, and resulted in the loss of lives and injuries. Church leaders in Jerusalem condemned the violence, expressing their condolences to the families affected and offering their support to the third Patriarch Theophilus and the Orthodox bishops in Jordan and beyond. They emphasized the deep-rooted bonds of brotherhood and coexistence that have long characterized the region.

Leaders of the Patriarchate and other church representatives highlighted the importance of rejecting such acts of violence and reaffirming the values of peace and human dignity. They called for unity among all communities, noting that the Jordanian social fabric serves as a model of coexistence between Muslims and Christians. The statement also urged all churches in the region to stand in solidarity with the victims and to pray for healing and justice.

The attack on a place of worship, particularly during a funeral, was described as a violation of both sacred and human values. Church leaders stressed that targeting civilians in such settings undermines the principles of peace and respect that should guide all communities. Their message was one of mourning, but also of hope, affirming the resilience of those who live in harmony despite the challenges they face.

The response from the Jordanian people and their leadership was noted as a powerful testament to their rejection of aggression. King Abdullah II was commended for his role in upholding the values of unity and cohesion within the nation. The statement reaffirmed that such acts of violence would not succeed in breaking the spirit of the people or the bonds of solidarity that have endured for generations.

In the wake of the attack, the call for unity and prayer resonated across religious and cultural lines. The act of ringing bells became a symbol of shared grief and collective resolve to uphold the values of peace, justice, and compassion. It was a reminder of the enduring strength found in community and the shared responsibility to protect the vulnerable.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Arabic)