The morning of Friday, December 27, 2024, marked the visit of the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood, led by its Hegoumen, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, to the Custody of the Franciscan Brotherhood.
During this visit, His Beatitude addressed the Superior of the Custody, Fr. Francesco Paton, expressing greetings and prayers for peace and unity among the suffering communities in the region. He emphasized the importance of supporting those in need, specifically mentioning the Monastery of Saint Porphyrios and the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza.
His Beatitude highlighted the significance of the ongoing cooperation between the Brotherhoods in the renovation of sacred churches as a symbol of hope for the people. He called on authorities and the international community to work towards ending conflicts and promoting peace, citing the ceasefire in Lebanon as a positive example.
Similarly, the visit of the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood to the Latin Patriarchate, led by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Pierre Battista Pizzaballa, focused on the importance of peace during the Christmas season. His Beatitude reiterated the need for immediate action to alleviate suffering, release captives, and provide humanitarian aid, urging all to work towards a peaceful resolution.
Both visits emphasized the message of peace and unity, expressing prayers for a harmonious and prosperous future for all in the Holy Land.
We highly appreciate our continuous collaboration in preserving the diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious heritage of the Holy Land amidst challenges from those seeking to disrupt its rich tapestry of life.
Our hope is that this season of light and optimism marks a turning point for our region, leading us towards a peaceful and prosperous future that we all yearn for.
May Your Beatitude be blessed with the joy of Christmas, and may God bring hope to our suffering communities from the sacred grounds of Bethlehem.
Thank you for your unwavering support.
On the same day, Archbishop Theophanes visited the Lutheran Church of Gerash on behalf of the Brotherhood, where he exchanged warm wishes with the Lutheran Bishop of Jerusalem, Sani Azar, and the Propst, Ioakim Lenz.
Later in the day, His Beatitude, accompanied by Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina and Hierodeacon Simeon, visited the Vatican Representative, Cardinal Adolfo Tito Yllana, and the Anglican Archbishop of Jerusalem, Hosam Naoum, extending festive greetings and goodwill.
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