Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem Calls for International Protection of Sacred Places After Attack at Gethsemane Church in Jerusalem, Israel

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, led by Patriarch Theophilos III, together with its Holy Synod, the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre, its clergy and its faithful, condemned what it called a “heinous terrorist attack” during a service on Sunday. According to the Patriarchate, two Israeli radicals carried out the attack at the Church of Gethsemane in the occupied city of Jerusalem, where the Tomb of the Virgin Mary lies.

In a statement issued the following day, the Patriarchate also denounced an attempt to cause physical harm to Archbishop Joachim, who was leading the service, and an attack on one of the priests in the church. It described the incident as an “atrocious crime” that occurred during preparations for Lent and the traditional rites leading up to Easter.

The Patriarchate said that Holy Light Saturday has become a marker of seasonal suffering for Christians because of physical restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities that, in its account, prevent them from reaching the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to exercise their right to worship.

The Patriarchate stated that terrorist attacks by radical Israeli groups against churches, cemeteries and Christian properties, along with physical and verbal abuse of Christian clergy, have become almost a daily occurrence, and that these incidents increase in intensity during Christian holidays. It said this situation “hasn’t drawn any appropriate reaction, locally or internationally, despite appeals, requests and protests made by the Churches of the Holy Land.”

The Patriarchate also argued that attacks on Christian holy sites, properties, heritage and identity violate international law. In its view, the law explicitly calls for the protection of religious sites in Jerusalem and emphasizes the need to respect the basic human right to worship freely. The statement said the attack on the Church of the Tomb of the Virgin Mary “is an atrocious terrorist crime that cannot be justified under any circumstances.”

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate called on the international community to intervene immediately to provide security and protection for Christians in Jerusalem and their holy places, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which it said are being subjected to violations and attacks by radical Israeli groups. Seeking security for a city it regards as holy, the Patriarchate also demanded that necessary legal steps be taken against all those involved in terrorist crimes against any holy site (Psalm 122:6).

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