Author Archives: Holy See

We are saddened to hear of the deaths of around 150 passengers in an Egyptian plane that crashed into the Red Sea on 3 January. Our prayers are with the dead and those left behind.

— 7 January 2004

On 4 October a suicide bomber entered a restaurant in Haifa, Israel murdering more than twenty people, including small children.

Our prayers are with all those who have suffered from this senseless violence.

— 6 October 2003

The Patriarchate strongly condemns the recent suicide bombing in Jerusalem. On 19 August a terrorist group bombed a public bus killing twenty-four people and injuring more than one-hundred.

We mourn the loss of innocent lives and express our heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families. Such acts of violence only perpetuate suffering and hinder the pursuit of peace and justice in the region. We call for an immediate end to all forms of terrorism and urge all parties involved to engage in meaningful dialogue and peaceful negotiations to address the underlying issues and conflicts. It is our sincere hope that a lasting and just resolution can be achieved through non-violent means, ensuring a safer and more secure future for all the people of the Holy Land and the entire region.

— 22 August 2003

A massive earthquake has struck in Algeria, Africa. An official told a representative of the Patriarchate that while the death toll is not known, the numbers could be in the thousands.

We ask members of the Church to keep this matter in their prayers.

{Update: Over 2,000 people died as a result of the earthquake.}

— 23 May 2003

We are calling on the Church to keep the people of China in their prayers after a strong earthquake struck Xinjiang. The exact number of deaths is not known at this time.

— 27 February 2003

We regret to report on the deaths of more than 20 people in a terrorist bomb attack on a bus in Tel Aviv. One of our own members was severely injured. The attack was brought on by Palestinian terrorists.

We ask the Church to keep those who were affected, those who died, their family and friends in your prayers.

— 7 January 2003

We ask that members of the Church pray for those who recently lost the lives in an earthquake that struck the Qazvin Province. Members in Tehran have informed us that nearly 400 people have died and that the destruction will take many years to clean up.

None of the members in Iran were affected by the earthquake.

— 29 June 2002

The Patriarchate is asking all members of the church to keep the people of Afghanistan in their prayers after an earthquake has caused the deaths of hundreds of people. There are members of the Church in this country and we are currently unaware if they were affected.

— 27 March 2002

Our prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives in a recent fire train in El Ayyat, Egypt. Sources indicate that possible 300 people perished in the fire.

— 27 February 2002

The Patriarchate of Jerusalem is expecting terrorist attacks to increase any day now and during the month of April. Members living in Israel should make sure they have enough supplies in their homes so they can safely shelter.

Please note that we will not likely be able to send out communications during this time of conflict.

— 25 March 2002