In a region fraught with conflict, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem are once again raising their voices in a call for peace. Their recent Easter message addresses the ongoing turmoil between Israel and its neighboring Islamic nations, emphasizing a message of hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The church leaders describe the current situation as a “present darkness that engulfs our region,” yet they highlight the resurrection as a beacon of hope and a testament to overcoming sin and death. They reflect on the belief that Jesus bore humanity’s sins, including the “war and darkness” of history, and emerged victorious, dispelling darkness with light.
The message underscores Jesus’ legacy of supporting the impoverished and distressed, stating, “With deep gratitude for God’s redeeming grace in Christ, we embrace this mission, especially as we seek to respond pastorally to all who have suffered so grievously in our region over the past eighteen months.”
Christians worldwide are urged to strive for peace in the Holy Land and beyond, working to alleviate suffering and liberate those in captivity. Special greetings were extended to Christians in Gaza, who find refuge in places like St Porphyrios Orthodox Church and Holy Family Catholic Church amid ongoing conflicts.
A recent report highlights that over half of Gaza’s Christian community is currently sheltered in the Holy Family Church. The violence has claimed lives, including 18 individuals in an airstrike on Saint Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church in 2023, and two women who were fatally shot by snipers at the Holy Family Church in the same year.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
