Patriarch Theophilos III attended on Friday, 23 October, an online welcoming event to mark the second year of the foundation of the International Community of the Holy Sepulchre (ICoHS).
ICoHS, which was created as a result of an initiative supported by the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem in 2018, is a London based charity responsible for supporting and advocating on behalf of the Christian community in the Holy Land, launching fundraisers on their behalf and ensuring their voices are heard, while at the same time working closely with local Churches and ministries to help in the implementation of those endeavours for the general good of the whole community.
The gathering gave answers on how Christians of the Holy Land have been dealing with the ongoing social and financial crisis of COVID-19, and how the local Churches stood by them playing an important role in supporting their substantial existence.
“The Churches of the Holy Land have long been calling Christians and people of all faiths around the world to lend their support and stand together in solidarity with their brothers and sisters here where the Christian mission began,” the Patriarch said during his speech.
“We share a determination to keep our doors open to all without distinction and to serve our local communities. In this mission, we have been joined and strengthened by friends around the world. This growing global support has led to the formation of the International Community of the Holy Sepulchre, or ICoHS. We welcome and celebrate the founding of ICoHS and thank all those who are joining in this ecumenical effort to strengthen and support our Christian community in the Holy Land.”
The virtual gathering also featured Father Ramzi Sidawi OFM from the Custody of the Holy Land, and a Q&A session led by Coadjutor Bishop Hosam Naoum from the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, and Carrie Ballenger from the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Jerusalem.
Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem
