Patriarch of Jerusalem urges U.S. authorities to protect Christians in region

A meeting of Jerusalem Patriarch Theophilos III and other religious leaders with US Senators Chris Van Hollen and Jeff Merkley. Photo: jerusalem-patriarchate

On August 26, 2025, at the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, together with the leaders of the Armenian, Franciscan, Latin, and Anglican Churches, received United States Senators Chris Van Hollen and Jeff Merkley. The main topic of discussion was the suffering of Christians in the Holy Land, especially in Gaza. This was reported by the official website jerusalem-patriarchate.

Patriarch Theophilos III expressed gratitude to the American senators for their efforts in protecting freedom of religion. He affirmed that that every defense of the sanctity of worship strengthens the living witness of the Gospel in the very city where the Word was first proclaimed and from which it went forth to the nations.

The church leaders spoke about the repeated assaults on the churches in Gaza, threats to the Ahli Arab Hospital, and the difficulties faced by families in the West Bank. Special attention was given to the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matt. 5:9), Patriarch Theophilos III reminded, emphasizing that the Churches' appeal is aimed at protecting human life and dignity.

In response, the Senators pledged to bring these urgent concerns before the United States State Department and Embassy.

As reported by the UOJ, Israeli settlers attacked Orthodox Monastery in Jericho.

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