A demonstration was held on Thursday, July 11, by the Christian leaders in Jerusalem, about the dangers of radical groups compromising the integrity and the character of Jerusalem’s Christian district and threatening the pilgrims’ access to the Holy Shrines and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
Patriarch Theophilos also announced that an “International Day of Prayer for the Christian Community and the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem” will be held, and invited Christians around the world to attend and be present at the event in September 2019.
“We are here, at the Jaffa Gate, the heart of the Christian Quarter. We stand to pray for our beloved city. We are here as disciples, faithful to Christ, in the place of His passion. We stand next to the millions of pilgrims of every race and language that visit and bless this Holy City. We stand together with the tenants of our property, who have long provided an open door to visitors and believers,” said Patriarch Theophilos among other things.
The Patriarch of Jerusalem also stressed: “As a reconciliation community, we refuse to allow radical groups to weaken the integrity and character of the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem. We cannot remain silent, while access to our sanctuaries is threatened, and the hope for lasting peace is reduced. We will not remain silent.”
“We demand that the rule of law be upheld against any attempt to acquire ecclesiastical property through unlawful acts or forcing evictions of innocent tenants,” he added.
In closing, the Patriarch of Jerusalem stressed: “We pray for the peace in Jerusalem. Today, we call on Christians all over the world to participate in our prayer and call on our brothers and sisters to gather in September 2019 for an ” International Day of Prayer for the Christian Community and the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem.” We look forward to welcoming Christian leaders and pilgrims from around the world as we continue our struggle to preserve and protect the Christian community in the Holy Land.”