RAMALLAH, December 18, 2017 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas Monday met with the heads of the Christian churches in Jerusalem to wish them and Christians in Palestine and all around the world a merry Christmas.
He welcomed the representatives of the churches, and said: “I hope the days of Christmas are happy for all, and that stability and safety prevail in all parts of the world.”
In reference to US President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, Abbas said that the statements that have emerged recently aim to deny our history, but this country is ours, and Palestinians will continue to fight in a peaceful way.
“The world and international law recognize East Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Palestine, and we will remain united in defending Jerusalem and the lands of Christian and Islamic endowments.”
Abbas stressed the importance of constant coordination and communication with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan regarding the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, especially when it comes to Al Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
He expressed happiness at this meeting, offering his happy wishes to the Christians in Palestine and all around the world for the arrival of holidays’ season.
On behalf of the heads of the Churches, His Beatitude Patriarch Theopholos I, Patriarch of the Orthodox Church, spoke about the meanings and the message of Christmas and prayed for peace and love in the Holy Land.
He stressed the importance of the historic and legal preservation of the status quo in Jerusalem and the churches’ rejection of any changes in the status quo, unilateral actions and positions that make peace and love for Jerusalem harder to grasp.
Patriarch Theopholos I affirmed that the Holy City is for the three religions and has a special character and that international law governs the future of the city. “We are the owners of the land and the custodians of the Church of the Resurrection and Holy Sepulcher.”
On behalf of the churches, the Patriarch praised the position of Abbas in preserving the Palestinian social fabric and strengthening the presence of Christians in the Holy Land.
He delivered an invitation for Abbas to attend the Midnight Mass for the Eastern calendar.
M.H
