#BreakingNews Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem on Gaza Hospital Bombing, ‘We unequivocally declare this atrocity as an egregious crime..." FULL TEXT
In Gaza the Anglican hospital “Al Ahli” was bombed on October 17th, killing hundreds of civilians. The bombing caused shock throughout the world especially those praying and fasting as per the call from the Patriarch of Jerusalem. Approximately 500 people lost their lives in the explosion, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. A renewed call for prayer and fasting has been issued for October 27th. In response to the hospital bombing the Patriarchs released a second statement:
FULL TEXT - PATRIARCHS AND HEADS of THE CHURCHES IN JERUSALEM
MOURNING CIVILIAN VICTIMS OF THE MASSACRE IN GAZA AND EXTENDING
SOLIDARITY TO THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF JERUSALEM
October 17, 2023—Jerusalem, The Holy Land
‘We, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, join together in profound solidarity with
the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem as we bear witness to the criminal attack that unfolded within
the precincts of the Al Ahli Anglican Episcopal Hospital in Gaza. This heart-wrenching crime
occurred on a day when the Christian community had convened in earnest prayer, beseeching the
heavens for peace, reconciliation, and the cessation of the war on Gaza.
Drawing inspiration from the enduring human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity, we
recall the verse from Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who
are crushed in spirit.” This spirit is embodied in the face of the horrifying shattering of a sanctuary
of compassion and healing in Gaza, culminating in the tragic loss of hundreds of innocent lives.
In unyielding unity, we vehemently denounce this crime with our strongest condemnation. The
initial reports of the Church hospital in Gaza tragedy have left us steeped in sorrow, for it
represents a profound transgression against the very principles held by humanity. Hospitals,
designated as sacred havens under international law, have been desecrated by Military Forces.
‘We unequivocally declare this atrocity as an egregious crime, one demanding the severest
censure and international accountability. We implore the global community to embrace its sacred
duty to shield civilians and to ensure that such heinous transgressions are never again permitted.
With heavy hearts, we acknowledge the profound loss of life at Al Ahli Anglican Episcopal
Hospital. We hereby declare full solidarity with our brothers and sisters who have borne the
unfathomable weight of this assault. As one united voice, we implore our friends, partners, and
all people of goodwill to stand with us as we grieve the tragic results.
Our prayers and support remain steadfast, and our collective voices rise as an impassioned
chorus, calling for justice, peace, and the cessation of the suffering that has descended upon the
people of Gaza.
— The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem
MOURNING CIVILIAN VICTIMS OF THE MASSACRE IN GAZA AND EXTENDING
SOLIDARITY TO THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF JERUSALEM
October 17, 2023—Jerusalem, The Holy Land
‘We, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, join together in profound solidarity with
the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem as we bear witness to the criminal attack that unfolded within
the precincts of the Al Ahli Anglican Episcopal Hospital in Gaza. This heart-wrenching crime
occurred on a day when the Christian community had convened in earnest prayer, beseeching the
heavens for peace, reconciliation, and the cessation of the war on Gaza.
Drawing inspiration from the enduring human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity, we
recall the verse from Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who
are crushed in spirit.” This spirit is embodied in the face of the horrifying shattering of a sanctuary
of compassion and healing in Gaza, culminating in the tragic loss of hundreds of innocent lives.
In unyielding unity, we vehemently denounce this crime with our strongest condemnation. The
initial reports of the Church hospital in Gaza tragedy have left us steeped in sorrow, for it
represents a profound transgression against the very principles held by humanity. Hospitals,
designated as sacred havens under international law, have been desecrated by Military Forces.
‘We unequivocally declare this atrocity as an egregious crime, one demanding the severest
censure and international accountability. We implore the global community to embrace its sacred
duty to shield civilians and to ensure that such heinous transgressions are never again permitted.
With heavy hearts, we acknowledge the profound loss of life at Al Ahli Anglican Episcopal
Hospital. We hereby declare full solidarity with our brothers and sisters who have borne the
unfathomable weight of this assault. As one united voice, we implore our friends, partners, and
all people of goodwill to stand with us as we grieve the tragic results.
Our prayers and support remain steadfast, and our collective voices rise as an impassioned
chorus, calling for justice, peace, and the cessation of the suffering that has descended upon the
people of Gaza.
— The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem
H.E. Sani Ibahim Azar, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land; Father Francesco Patton, custos of the Holy Land; Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox patriarch of Jerusalem; H.E. Hosam Naum, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem; Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin patriarch of Jerusalem; H.E. Mor Anthimos Jack Yacoub, Syriac Orthodox archbishop of Jerusalem.
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