The Patriarch pointed out that the Greek Orthodox Church of Jerusalem stands behind His Majesty King Abdullah II in his steadfast positions towards Jerusalem and its holy sites, and in his defense of the rights of Christians and Muslims in it, who have shared moral traditions throughout history, affirming that His Majesty represents, from the Church's perspective, today the most prominent and present safety valve in protecting the Christian presence in Jerusalem and supporting the right of its people to remain and persevere in their lands and preserve their historical and religious heritage.
He added that protecting the Christian presence in Jerusalem is inseparable from protecting the city itself, and that the continued Christian presence in it forms an essential part of its history, religious, and civilizational mission, emphasizing the importance of supporting the steadfastness of its people and preserving its holy sites and identity.
His Beatitude appreciated what His Majesty's speech contained of adherence to principles and international law and rejection of double standards, affirming that Jerusalem needs responsible positions that protect its holy sites and people, and enhance the prospects for peace, dialogue, and coexistence among followers of religions.
Patriarch Theophilos III emphasized that the Jordanian stance towards Jerusalem represents an extension of a well-established Hashemite message in protecting holy sites and promoting religious harmony, stressing that the Jerusalem churches see in this approach a real support for the steadfastness of Jerusalem's people, and in His Majesty King Abdullah II a steadfast voice in defending the Holy City, its people, and its holy sites, in a way that preserves Jerusalem's universal mission and religious and humanitarian status, and preserves the presence of Christians in it as an integral part of its history and identity.
