Patriarch of Jerusalem Discusses Restrictions on Religious Practices in Jerusalem During Meeting with Trump

SadaNews - The Patriarch of Jerusalem and all Palestine and Jordan, Theophilos III, discussed with US President Donald Trump in Washington the protection of the authentic Christian presence in the Holy Land and the Middle East, safeguarding freedom of worship and the practice of religious rituals, and maintaining the sanctity of holy places for all religions, reflecting the deep spiritual and historical roots of the Christian presence in the region.

The patriarch awarded President Trump the "Grand Cross" from the Order of the Holy Sepulcher, which is one of the highest honors of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, bearing deep spiritual meanings associated with the Church of the Resurrection.

During the meeting, Patriarch Theophilos III presented President Trump with a series of concerns and challenges facing the churches in the Holy Land, foremost among them the solidifying of the authentic Christian presence, safeguarding the holy sites, enhancing human dignity, and reinforcing the Church's message based on care, mercy, and the service of peace.

The meeting also addressed the restrictions affecting Muslims and Christians in the Holy Land in their access to places of worship and the practice of religious rituals, in light of the recent restrictions and closures imposed by Israel, which affected Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Resurrection, reflecting on the people of the Holy Land during the recent religious holidays in Jerusalem.

Patriarch Theophilos III emphasized that safeguarding the freedom to practice religious rituals in the Holy City is closely linked to preserving the historical "status quo" in Jerusalem, and protecting the existing arrangements that have governed the management of holy places for decades, as it serves as a fundamental framework for religious balance and the protection of the Christian and Islamic presence in the Holy City.

He stressed that "the Mother of Churches" continues its spiritual mission in supporting peace and establishing human dignity around the world, referring to its efforts in the file of Ukraine and Russia through an upcoming visit program to include a number of concerned countries, notably a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, aimed at enhancing dialogue and preparing a spiritual and political climate supportive of stability and peace among peoples.

The patriarch also affirmed that King Abdullah II of Jordan represents an essential pillar in protecting the Christian presence and safeguarding the holy sites in the Holy Land, commending the Hashemite guardianship over the Islamic and Christian holy sites, as it represents a safety valve for religious stability and protects diversity, and serves as a high model in respecting heavenly religions and reinforcing values of coexistence and pluralism.

He pointed to the initiatives of King Abdullah II in restoring and caring for Christian and Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem, reflecting a steadfast commitment to protecting the religious heritage of the Holy City and maintaining its spiritual identity.

He noted the opening of the Orthodox University at the Baptism Site, the place of Jesus Christ's baptism, as an important step in establishing the freedom of worship and religious education and enhancing the Christian presence in Jordan.

Patriarch Theophilos III called on US President Donald Trump to visit Jordan and the Baptism Site, the place of Jesus Christ's baptism, affirming that the kingdom is a land of safety and security and peace, a home that honors heavenly religions and preserves the freedoms of their followers, and that Jordan, under the leadership of King Abdullah II, serves as a model of religious and social stability, continuing its role in protecting the Christian presence and supporting its establishment in the Holy Land.