Heads of the Churches of Jerusalem call for peace and welcome ceasefire

Gaza during the war. Photo: Orthodoxia News Agency

On October 14, 2025, the patriarchs and primates of the Churches in Jerusalem issued a joint statement welcoming the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and expressing hope that this step would mark the beginning of long-awaited peace. The statement was reported by Orthodoxia News Agency.

The signatories thanked all those who took part in the negotiations that led to the agreement, noting the “colossal efforts that made it possible to stop two years of bloodshed.”

“We rejoice at the entry into force of the ceasefire and at the successful release of hostages,” the statement said.

At the same time, the patriarchs and heads of Churches reminded that the suffering of Gaza’s residents is far from over.

“Hundreds of thousands of people have lost their homes, health, and loved ones. We urgently call for the rapid delivery of food, water, medicine, and temporary shelter to the affected areas as a first step toward rebuilding homes and civil infrastructure,” they emphasized.

The Church leaders appealed to the international community to expand the scope of peace talks to “end the military occupation both in the Gaza Strip and on the West Bank of the Jordan River,” and to “create a Palestinian state capable of living peacefully alongside the State of Israel.”

“Only in this way,” the statement continued, “can a just and lasting peace be established in the Holy Land and throughout the Middle East.”

The patriarchs and primates also expressed their support for Christians who have endured severe trials in recent years. “Your patience and faith amid unspeakable hardships have been a shining example to us,” the message reads.

Concluding their appeal, the hierarchs urged all Christians and people of goodwill to offer thanks to God for the renewed hope of peace: “May the Lord grant us the grace to dedicate ourselves anew to the work of peace – for which Christ gave His life and rose from the dead.”

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Trump, speaking in Jerusalem, proclaimed the dawn of an era of faith, hope, and God.

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