Jerusalem:Ramzi Khoury, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organization's Executive Committee and head of the Presidential Higher Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, received a letter from Serbian Patriarch Porfirije, head of the Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church. The letter expressed the Church's solidarity with and support for the Palestinian people amid the challenging conditions in the Holy Land.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency, the Serbian Orthodox Church voiced deep concern about the worsening situation for Christians and other residents in the Holy Land. The Church highlighted the ongoing suffering, persecution, and discrimination faced by these communities, emphasizing that the plight of innocent people, regardless of their religion or affiliation, contradicts the principles of human dignity.
The letter underscored the significance of preserving the Christian presence in the Holy Land, pointing out that the Christian community, which has existed there for over 2,000 years, is a vital part of the region's historical and cultural fabric.
Furthermore, the Church warned that efforts to exclude or marginalize any religious or ethnic group could disrupt the social and religious equilibrium in the Holy Land. It called for respect for human dignity, adherence to international law, and protection of religious rights, reiterating its support for the Palestinian people during their hardships.
The Serbian Orthodox Church affirmed its commitment to advocating for the protection of Christian communities and the promotion of peace in the Middle East. It plans to continue addressing these issues in discussions with political leaders and international organizations, aiming to foster dialogue, peace, and a fair resolution to ongoing conflicts.