On the evening of Sunday, December 22, 2024, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem paid a visit to President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) of the State of Palestine.
During their meeting, Patriarch Theophilos invited President Abbas to join in the Greek Orthodox Christmas festivities. President Abbas graciously accepted the invitation, recognizing the significance of Orthodox Christmas for the Palestinian people. He highlighted the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence among different communities.
As a gesture of respect and goodwill, Patriarch Theophilos presented President Abbas with an icon of the Nativity of the Theotokos. In return, President Abbas gifted the Patriarch a silver-plated tray featuring the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Dome of the Rock, symbolic of the region’s diverse religious and cultural heritage.
This meeting emphasized the value of interfaith dialogue and cooperation, promoting a message of peace and hope as the Christmas celebrations approached.
Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem