On the evening of Sunday, December 22, 2024, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem visited the President of the State of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen).
During their meeting, Patriarch Theophilos extended an invitation to President Abbas to participate in the Greek Orthodox Christmas celebrations. The President accepted the invitation warmly, stating that the Orthodox Christmas is also a celebration for the Palestinian people. He emphasized the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence among communities.
As part of the meeting, Patriarch Theophilos presented President Abbas with an icon of the Nativity of the Theotokos as a gesture of honor for his visit and the Christmas festivities. In return, President Abbas gifted the Patriarch a silver-plated tray depicting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Dome of the Rock, symbols of the region’s rich religious and cultural heritage.
The meeting underscored the value of interfaith dialogue and collaboration, sending a strong message of peace and hope in anticipation of the Christmas celebrations.
Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem
