Jerusalem Patriarch Theophilos III has called on Christians in the Holy Land to resist despair and continue bearing witness to peace and justice, despite ongoing wars, instability, and human suffering across the region.

In a pre-Christmas address delivered in Bethlehem—a place traditionally associated with the angels’ proclamation of Christ’s birth to the shepherds—the head of the Orthodox Church of Jerusalem reminded the faithful that Christmas is a “message of great joy for all people,” especially for those living amid hardship and pain.

Patriarch Theophilos emphasized that the celebration of Christ’s Nativity and the remembrance of the Old Testament righteous forefathers of Jesus Christ carry not only theological meaning but also deep contemporary relevance. He pointed to the faith of Abraham, who according to Scripture received the promise of salvation for all nations, describing it as the enduring foundation of Christian hope. “All who believe in Christ become heirs to this promise,” he said.

The patriarch devoted particular attention to the situation of Christian communities in the Middle East, stressing that the Jerusalem Church feels a responsibility to provide spiritual support not only to believers in Palestine, but throughout the region, including areas affected by armed conflict. In his remarks, he explicitly referred to the suffering of civilians in Gaza and of people living under conditions of violence and uncertainty.

“We have no right to give in to despair and hopelessness,” Patriarch Theophilos said. “Our duty is to proclaim again and again the Gospel message of peace, justice, and human dignity.” He added that this is precisely what local Christian communities—small in number but steadfast in their faith and tradition—expect from the Church.

The patriarch also recalled that the Church of Jerusalem has, for centuries, safeguarded Christian holy sites and the Christmas tradition as a “living witness of faith,” enduring through changing eras, empires, and political systems. “The Church may be a little flock,” he said, citing the Gospel, “but the forces of evil will not prevail against it.”

Concluding his address, Patriarch Theophilos called for prayers for peace in the Holy Land and expressed hope that “the light of the Nativity of Christ” would illuminate the hearts of people regardless of nationality or religious affiliation.