Jerusalem – On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, leaders of various Christian Churches in the Holy Land exchanged Paschal greetings and wishes with His Beatitude Theophilos III, the Patriarch of Jerusalem. The exchange took place during the observance of the Feast of Pascha.
Interfaith Dialogue and Community Support
The initial visits were made by representatives from the Brotherhood of the Franciscans, Custody of the Holy Land, and the Armenian Patriarchate in Jerusalem. Following these, leaders from other churches – including the Latin Patriarchate, led by His Beatitude Pierbattista Pizzaballa, as well as the Coptic, Syriac, Ethiopian, Lutheran, and Anglican Churches – too visited and exchanged greetings with Patriarch Theophilos III.
Representatives from several Orthodox communities also approached Patriarch Theophilos III to express their gratitude. These included communities from Nazareth, led by Metropolitan Kyriakos and community president Mr. Basim; Cana, under Archimandrite Leontios; Bethlehem, under Metropolitan Benedictos of Diocaesarea; Beit Jala, under Archimandrite Ignatios; and the Cathedral Church of Saint James, with presbyter Fr. Farah Bandour.
The Patriarchate of Jerusalem reciprocated these visits, sending Archbishop Theodosios of Sebasteia and a delegation of clergy to the Coptic, Syriac, and Ethiopian Churches in Jerusalem.
The communities who visited expressed gratitude for the Patriarch’s support during a period of war.
Frequently Asked Questions
What churches participated in the exchange of greetings?
The Brotherhood of the Franciscans, Custody of the Holy Land, the Armenian Patriarchate, the Latin Patriarchate, the Coptic, Syriac, Ethiopian, Lutheran, and Anglican Churches all participated in the exchange of greetings with Patriarch Theophilos III.
Which Orthodox communities expressed gratitude to the Patriarch?
The Orthodox communities of Nazareth, Cana, Bethlehem, Beit Jala, and the Cathedral Church of Saint James all expressed gratitude to Patriarch Theophilos III.
Who represented the Patriarchate of Jerusalem in return visits?
Archbishop Theodosios of Sebasteia, accompanied by a delegation of clergy, represented the Patriarchate of Jerusalem in return visits to the Coptic, Syriac, and Ethiopian Churches in Jerusalem.
As the Holy Land continues to navigate a fragile peace, will these interfaith dialogues contribute to sustained stability and cooperation among the region’s diverse religious communities?
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