Patriarch Theophilos III asks Biden to protect Christian shrines of Israel

During the visit of US President Joseph Biden to Israel, Patriarch Theophilos III asked the American president to protect the Christian heritage in the Holy Land, notably in Jerusalem, reports en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info.

This happened during an official reception arranged by the President of the State of Israel, Isaac Herzog, at his official residence.

"Patriarch Theophilos III stressed the need for an active American intervention in order to protect the Christian heritage and presence in the Holy Land, especially in Jerusalem, which is witnessing unprecedented attacks by Israeli radical groups in order to repel Christians from their own city," the press service reported.

The Primate spoke about attacks on churches, clergy and Christian believers by members of these groups and their demands to seize Christian real estate at the main entrance to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, at the Jaffa Gate and the New Gate.

Patriarch Theophilos III spoke of restricting freedom of worship against Muslims and Christians, who are prevented from visiting churches and mosques, and gave an example of the Israeli police practices on the Saturday of the Holy Fire this year, when they blocked worshipers from accessing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

The Patriarch of Jerusalem noted that the preservation of the Christian presence in the Holy Land is an important humanitarian and civilizational step, adding that the preservation of "Status Quo" is a priority for all Churches.

As previously reported by the UOJ, Patriarch Theophilos reported the seizure of the Petra pilgrimage house in Jerusalem.

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