Latest news with #Theophilos
Boston Globe
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Leaders of Holy Land churches condemn Israeli settler violence during a West Bank visit
Advertisement The church leaders also claimed that settlers had brought their cattle to graze on Palestinian lands in the area, set fire to several homes last month, and put up a sign reading 'there is no future for you here.' Israel's military did not immediately respond to the allegations. It has previously said it takes action against outlaw settlers and that many incidents of settler violence involve stone-throwing and clashes between Israeli settlers and Palestinians. The war in Gaza has sparked a surge of violence in the West Bank, with the Israeli military targeting militants in large-scale operations that have killed hundreds of Palestinians and displaced tens of thousands. That has coincided with a rise in settler violence and Palestinian attacks on Israelis. Palestinian militants have attacked and killed Israelis in Israel and the West Bank. Advertisement Pizzaballa, the top Catholic cleric in Jerusalem, said he believed the West Bank was becoming a lawless area. 'The only law (in the West Bank) is that of power, of those who have the force, not the law. We must work for the law to return to this part of the country, so anyone can appeal to the law to enforce their rights,' Pizzaballa told reporters. He and Theophilos prayed together in the church of St. George, whose religious site dates back centuries, adjacent to the area where settlers ignited the fires. The statement from the heads of churches comes as Palestinians report a surge of settler violence. On Sunday, hundreds descended on the village of Al-Mazraa a-Sharqiya, south of Taybeh, for the funeral of two young men killed during a settler attack on Friday. The Christian community in Israel and the Palestinian territories has dwindled as a percentage of the overall population over the decades, with experts citing lower birthrates and emigration by people fleeing conflict or seeking better opportunities abroad. Christians now make up a tiny percentage of the population.
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Jacobite Syrian Church declares three days' mourning
Kochi: The Jacobite Syrian Church has declared three days' mourning as a gesture of respect towards the late Roman pontiff. Catholicos and Malankara Metropolitan of the Jacobite Church Mor Baselios Joseph I stated that the passing of Pope Francis was an irreplaceable loss for Christian denominations and the general society. "He had a deep love and care for the Syriac Orthodox Church and the hospitality and affection showed during his visit with Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II in 2015 was an unforgettable experience. The Jacobite Syriac Church shares the profound sorrow experienced by the global Catholic Church and the world due to the passing of Pope Francis," the Catholicos said. He added that along with expressing condolences to the Catholic Church, he prays that he continues to intercede for the Church and society. Metropolitan Kuriakose Mor Theophilos said that he remembers the time the Pope and he both attended an ecumenical meet in the Vatican at a time when Metropolitan Ibrahim was kidnapped in Aleppo. "At the meeting, I spoke about the kidnapping in my speech and presented my sorrow before the Pope. Usually, it was I who was to go towards him and kiss his hand. However, he got up from his chair and came towards me. He hugged me and consoled me," said Theophilos. He added that he met the Pope at least once a year for ecumenical meetings and he was amazed by his broad ecumenical perspective. He said that the loss of Pope Francis, is a loss not just for the Catholic Church but that of everyone. "I express my condolences to everyone, especially those from the Catholic Church," said Theophilos.
