Author Archives: Holy See

On 12 December, a member of the Church gifted the House of the Assembly with a library of more than 3,000 books in Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek and English. We are very grateful for this special gift.

— 15 December 2004

The Patriarchate unequivocally condemns the recent suicide bombings in Taba, which tragically claimed the lives of Israelis who were visiting the area. We wish to express our deepest condolences to the victims’ families and stand in solidarity with the affected communities during this painful time.

This act was cold blooded murder. As an institution committed to promoting peace and harmony we categorically reject and condemn such forms of violence. We fervently believe in the importance of dialogue, understanding, and peaceful resolution of conflicts to ensure a more secure and prosperous future for all.

— 10 October 2004

Early reports indicate that more than 150 people have been killed by terrorists in Madrid, Spain. Our prayers are with all those left behind, as well as special prayers for those who passed in this senseless act of violence.

A vigil will be held in their honour at the chapel in Galilee.

— 17 March 2004

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