Christians in the Middle East face the risk of disappearing altogether amid ongoing conflicts and the rise of religious extremism, Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus said in a keynote address at the 41st Congress of the Pancyprian Union of Greek Theologians.

According to the Archbishop, the growing influence of radical fundamentalist movements has led to the systematic destruction of Christian holy sites, attacks on the property of believers, and serious violations of basic human rights and religious freedoms. As a result, thousands of Christians have been forced to flee lands that have been their historical homeland for centuries.

Archbishop Georgios stressed that the critical situation affects not only Orthodox Christians but also believers of other Christian denominations, as well as ethnic and religious minorities more broadly. He said these communities are in urgent need of international support, warning that many are on the brink of complete extinction.

The head of the Church of Cyprus noted that in the mid-20th century, Christians accounted for up to 20 percent of the population in countries stretching from Egypt to Iraq. Today, he said, their share has fallen to low single-digit figures and continues to decline. He also expressed disappointment with what he described as Europe’s passive stance, criticizing its role as a bystander to the unfolding crisis.

Concluding his remarks, Archbishop Georgios called on the leaders of major world powers to use their influence to promote peaceful conflict resolution and to ensure the protection of human rights and religious freedoms. He emphasized that only such efforts can provide a foundation for peaceful coexistence and long-term stability in the region.