The Greek Orthodox Church has duly elected a new Patriarch of Jerusalem. This process was legally conducted and the newly elected Patriarch, His Beatitude Theophilos III, immediately enjoyed full endorsements by all other Christian Churches, by the Jordanian Government and by the Palestinian Authority. These are the required approvals. The Israeli government must also affirm the legal status of the Patriarch. The Israeli’s process is taking additional time and consequently the new Patriarch cannot discharge his duties or take possession of the residence or business affairs of his Church.
In the interest of inter-religious harmony and positive, improved relations, Pave the Way Foundation has requested that the Prime Minister of Israel and the King of Jordan give this problem their attention. We have requested that the required affirmation be granted as soon as possible, in the interest of religious freedom, harmonious relations, and the separation of politics from religious practice.
October 2006, the Israeli Inter-ministerial Director advised the government of Israeli that he recommended Theophilos III be affirmed. We are now waiting for the conclusion of this process. PTWF urges the government of Israel to complete this process quickly, in the interest of positive interreligious relations.
PTWF intervenes by Fedexing a letter to the high Court of Israel. After receipt of our letter, this endless 6 month trial postponements ended, and Theophilos III was named Patriarch
WE ARE HAPPY TO REPORT THAT ON SUNDAY DECEMBER 16, 2007, THE ISRAELI GOVERNMENT OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED THEOPHILOS III AS GREEK ORTHODOX PATRIARCH OF JERUSALEM.
PTWF meets with H.B. Theophilos III