Patriarch Theophilos: King Abdullah is a key safeguard for Christian presence in Jerusalem

Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem has praised King Abdullah II of Jordan for his position on Jerusalem and its holy sites, describing the Hashemite monarch as a key safeguard for the Christian presence in the Holy City.

In a statement issued on September 23, Patriarch Theophilos said King Abdullah’s address to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly conveyed “a clear message” in defense of peace, justice and human dignity, while reaffirming Jordan’s longstanding position on Jerusalem, its holy sites and its people.

The Patriarch highlighted the significance of the Hashemite Custodianship over the Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, describing it as a historical, religious and national responsibility that has helped safeguard the identity and religious character of the Holy City.

According to Patriarch Theophilos, Muslim and Christian holy sites are an integral part of Jerusalem’s identity and heritage.

Support for Christian presence in Jerusalem

The Patriarch stressed that the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem stands firmly behind King Abdullah in his positions concerning Jerusalem and in his defense of the rights of Christians and…