Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and All Palestine has expressed concern about the significant decline of the Christian community in Gaza. According to him, the number of Christians in the region has dropped to fewer than 600. This statement was made during the screening of the documentary film "Via Dolorosa" on February 18 at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, as reported by the World Council of Churches website.

The documentary, directed by Amira Hananiah, tells the story of the Christian presence in Palestine through the eyes of the Christians themselves. It highlights key moments that shaped their history, identity, and resilience amid the unstable situation in the region. Patriarch Theophilos pointed out that the Jerusalem Patriarchate is the oldest continuously operating religious institution in the Holy Land, but the churches in Palestine are facing serious financial difficulties due to a lack of pilgrims and the worsening economic situation.

Following the screening, a discussion took place with the participation of religious leaders, diplomats, and representatives from international organizations, including the Jerusalem Orthodox Patriarchate, the World Council of Churches, diplomatic missions from Palestine, as well as theologians and public figures.

Reverend Professor Dr. Jerry Pillay, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), expressed solidarity with Palestinian Christians. He stated that the WCC advocates for justice, peace, and equality for all peoples of the Holy Land. Pillay called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the provision of humanitarian aid to those in need. He also emphasized that lasting peace is only possible through the recognition of the equal dignity of all people, regardless of their religion and nationality.

The Ambassador of Palestine to Greece, Amira Hananiah, noted that Palestinians rarely have the opportunity to tell their own story, but the film "Via Dolorosa" presents their path of sorrow without distortion or censorship. According to her, the film is a living testimony to the struggle of Palestinian Christians for justice and their resistance against efforts to erase their identity.

Reverend Professor Dr. Mitri Raheb, a Lutheran priest and theologian, founder of Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem, expressed concern that the Christian presence in Gaza may be entirely eradicated. He reminded the audience that Christianity did not originate in Rome, Wittenberg, or Canterbury, but in Palestine, and stressed the need to preserve the Christian community in the Holy Land.