Patriarch Theophilus III of Jerusalem has warned of a serious threat to the Christian presence in the Holy Land

Patriarch Theophilus III of Jerusalem has issued a serious warning about the growing threat to the Christian presence in the Holy Land, highlighting systematic violations and politicization of sacred texts. The statement was made in Amman during a meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan, who, in turn, reaffirmed his commitment to interreligious dialog and the protection of holy sites. This is reported by Orthodox Times.

According to Forward, His Majesty King Abdullah II received a group of Christian and Muslim religious leaders from Jerusalem and Jordan at the Al-Husseini Royal Palace. The monarch extended warm Christmas greetings to Christians in Jordan, the Holy Land and around the world, emphasizing his commitment to interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

In his remarks, Patriarch Theophilos III emphasized the key role of Hashemite patronage of Islamic and Christian shrines in Jerusalem, calling it a «fundamental pillar» of maintaining balance in the face of rising tensions. He expressed deep concern about the «real and ever-increasing threat» to the Christian presence in the region, pointing to systematic violations and restrictions on free access to the shrines.

Among other aspects, the Patriarch addressed the phenomenon of what he called «Christian Zionism,» noting that sacred texts are increasingly being used for political purposes, which, in his view, is deforming spiritual teachings. He also said there was a serious undermining of the historic «status quo» — the arrangements governing order at Jerusalem’s main religious shrines.

The Primate of the Church of Jerusalem strongly condemned attacks and provocations by extremist groups against the Al-Aqsa Mosque, emphasizing the indivisible link between the holy sites: «What threatens Muslims threatens us.» In conclusion, he called for the joint defense of the common patrimony — peace and respect between representatives of different faiths.

Recall, earlier we reported that a significant meeting of the Primates of the Jerusalem, Antioch and Serbian Orthodox Churches took place in Amman, Jordan. Patriarchs Theophilos III, John X and Porphyrios gathered in the framework of the International Conference «Aqaba Process — Interreligious Dialogue in the Balkans», which is taking place at the invitation of King Abdullah II of Jordan.