A senior church leader presided over a Mass at a shrine in Palestine following the killing of nine Christian men in Jordan. The Patriarch traveled to the neighboring country to offer condolences to the victims' families and the local Greek Orthodox community. He emphasized unity in Christ and called for justice and protection for all communities. The homily focused on bearing witness to hope through mutual support and recognizing God's presence in others during times of suffering. This event highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Christians in the region and the church's role in providing spiritual comfort and solidarity amidst violence and loss.
The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem issued a statement on October 19, 2026, condemning a violent attack by masked settlers in Taybeh, West Bank, on October 17. The assault targeted local residents during the olive harvest and foreign diplomats visiting in solidarity. The church leaders described the incident as part of a wider pattern of settler violence in the region. They criticized a recent religious ruling permitting Jews to take Palestinian olives as dangerous and unacceptable. While appreciating Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog’s condemnation and recent police arrests, they urged consistent enforcement and international protection for the community. The group reaffirmed its support for preserving the Christian presence in Taybeh.
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