Fener Greek Patriarch: Don’t change status quo in Jerusalem

ISTANBUL

Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomew I has highlighted that he strongly supports securing the current status of Jerusalem. 

“During a recent visit to Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, I expressed by absolute view that the status quo of holy city of Jerusalem should be kept despite new decisions to change it,” Bartholomew said during an addressing to a Greek school in Istanbul to mark the Christmas Eve on Dec. 24. 

“All Christians in Jerusalem, not only the Orthodox but also the Catholics and Armenians share the same view,” he said. 

“Why has the Middle East seen new pains in addition to this much pain it already faces,” the religious leader asked. 

Letter to Palestinian president 

Bartholomew said he received an official message from Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas to celebrate Christmas and the New Year’s Day. 

“In my response, I expended my wish for peace for the Palestinian people in 2018, who have been tested by difficulties, faced injustice and lost its people,” he said.