I admit that it took me a while to upload this message, but I wanted to reflect on it in depth and make sure that everything I express is a true reflection of the only truth.

In the heart of the Middle East there is a venerable land steeped in antiquity, a land that fervently longs for the sweet embrace of freedom. Palestine, a region blessed by the annals of history and scarred by decades of heartbreaking oppression, bravely stands in the midst of relentless conflict, relentless dislocation, and unyielding military occupation. On its hallowed ground, the quest for justice and tranquility has metamorphosed into a vivid testament to human resilience, a firmly held beacon of hope.

The Zionist State, over the years, has carried out actions that cast a discouraging shadow over the international order. The construction of illegal settlements in the disputed expanse of the West Bank resonates with the pains of perpetual injustice. Every brick placed in these disputed territories serves as an unwavering reminder of the dispossession and disenfranchisement inflicted on the Palestinian population.

In the Gaza Strip, the world's largest open-air prison, people endure a relentless and inhumane blockade that deprives them of even the most rudimentary conditions necessary for a dignified existence. Palestine, a land that has an intricate web of history and culture, invites you to free yourself from burdens and flourish without the limitations imposed by external forces.

At the international level, a fraction of the global community has joined in the unanimous condemnation of these transgressions. However, thanks to the fateful interventions of the "Western powers" flagrant violations of international law and United Nations resolutions have been persistently overlooked? which has fostered a climate of impunity. The call for justice must resonate with greater intensity, a call to everyone's attention so that the world does not look away from Palestine's indomitable struggle for emancipation.

In the interconnected tapestry of our contemporary world, it is up to us to raise our voices in unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people. The story of Palestine is a call to all humanity, a resounding reminder that justice and equality are universal principles, indomitable values ​​that cannot be ignored. The desire for freedom that pulses in the very muscles of Palestine demands our determined support... an imperative that the international community must defend unwaveringly.

In this moment, darkened by the shadows of despair, let us not forget that hope and resilience are indestructible, a testament to the unbreakable human spirit. A liberated Palestine is not simply an ethereal dream; It is an unwavering commitment to justice, a firm adherence to the principles enshrined in international law. The land of Palestine, with its deep history and enduring people, deserves to enjoy the embrace of freedom and tranquility.

As a person of Christian faith, my heart is filled with ardent rejection of the violence perpetrated by the State of Israel and its occupying forces against the Palestinian population. Likewise, I strongly condemn any terrorist attack against the Israeli civilian population. 

The years pass, but the specter of this tragedy continues to haunt us. Our Christian faith, a spiritual heritage that flourished in the very heart of the Middle East, where its roots sink deep into the soil of history, has profound meaning. It was in the ancient city of Antioch that the devout followers of Jesus first received the sacred appellation "Christians."

This sacred journey began with Palestinian Christians, who embarked on journeys that crossed vast oceans, bringing their unwavering faith to distant shores, where it melded seamlessly with Christian communities elsewhere. We extend our deep gratitude to those who have carried the torch of this sacred faith through the vicissitudes of time, preserving its luminous legacy.

Let us not forget that just a few days ago an unspeakable tragedy unfolded before our eyes: an act of genocidal violence was unleashed in a hospital belonging to the Anglican community and the Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyry in Gaza. This serious incident is just one example of the suffering endured by the Palestinian people. It is a poignant reminder that our faith calls us to be steadfast sentinels of justice, to bear witness to the unwavering courage of a beleaguered population longing for freedom.

It is within this global narrative of history and faith that we find the resonance of our Christian hearts with the plight of the Palestinian people. As Christians, we are called to reflect the compassion and love that Christ embodied so deeply during his earthly sojourn. In the Holy Scriptures we find the resounding cry for justice, for the defense of the oppressed and oppressed. Our faith is intrinsically intertwined with principles of love, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to righteousness.

On this sacred path of faith, we must remain vigilant, because in our faith we discover the unwavering duty to defend the values ​​of justice and equity. As faithful, we are called to embrace the spirit of the Beatitudes, where Christ blessed the peacemakers, the merciful, and those who hungered for justice. The Beatitudes, inscribed on the hearts of believers, echo the clarion call for us to work tirelessly for a world where peace, mercy, and justice prevail.

Within the spectrum of Christian doctrine, we find the belief that each individual bears the divine image. This profound teaching emphasizes the inherent value and dignity of every human being, regardless of his or her ethnicity, nationality, or creed. It is up to us, as Christians, to recognize the divine spark in every person, including our Palestinian brothers and sisters.

In Christ's parables we find stories that extol the virtues of compassion, forgiveness, and the relentless pursuit of reconciliation. One such parable is that of the "Good Samaritan," in which Christ teaches us to reach out to those in need, even if they come from different backgrounds or beliefs. The eternal message of this parable resonates with the call to compassion and solidarity with the marginalized, with those who suffer.

In the context of the Palestinian struggle, it is crucial that we recognize and celebrate these shared values, these common bonds that unite us as a global family.

Furthermore, our Christian faith commands us to seek peace, to become peacemakers in a world plagued by conflict. In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ proclaimed: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." As Christians, we must strive to embody this sacred mission, working ardently for peace in regions mired in turmoil.

The plight of the Palestinian people is a stark reminder of the urgent need for peacekeepers. The prolonged conflict in the Middle East has brought unspeakable suffering and is a solemn call to action for those carrying the message of Christ. We must remember that the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, walked among us, bringing healing, comfort and reconciliation. His ministry was marked by the profound message of forgiveness and the search for peace. As his followers, we are driven to continue this sacred work of reconciliation and advocate for the peace that the people of Palestine so richly deserve.

Our faith forces us to act, to commit ourselves to the search for justice, peace and reconciliation. As Christians, we must firmly oppose violence and injustice, regardless of their origin. Our commitment to justice is unwavering, as is our dedication to the principles of love and compassion.

The Book of Micah, in the Old Testament, summarizes the divine call to justice and mercy, proclaiming: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good! And what does the Lord expect of you?: Practice justice, love mercy and walk humbly before your God." In these eternal words we find our sacred mission as Christians.

In the search for justice for the Palestinian people, we are called to be voices of compassion, to be defenders of the oppressed. It is our solemn duty to defend the principles of justice, mercy and humility, to fight for a world where the dignity of every human being is appreciated and respected.

Christ's teachings emphasize the importance of forgiving others, even in the face of grave injustice. In the Lord's Prayer, we ask God to "forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." This prayer is a moving reminder of the transformative power of forgiveness, of the potential for reconciliation even in the most dire circumstances.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a cauldron of deep-seated grievances and animosities. It is a complex web of historical wounds, territorial disputes and competing narratives. In the face of this complexity, forgiveness is a challenging but essential concept . It is a path to healing, a bridge to peace. As Christians, we must advocate for the spirit of forgiveness, for the possibility of reconciliation, and for the power of grace to transcend bitterness.

Forgiveness does not imply forgetting; It does not require us to turn a blind eye to injustice. Rather, it calls us to free ourselves from the weight of hatred and revenge, to seek a future free from the chains of the past. It invites us to recognize the pain and suffering of all parties involved, to extend the hand of reconciliation and to work towards a shared future of peace and coexistence.

On our Christian path, we find inspiration in the lives of countless saints who embody the virtues of compassion, justice, and forgiveness. Saint Basil, known among other things for his deep dedication to the poor, is a shining example of the transformative power of love and compassion. Saint George, who fought fervently in defense of our faith and the oppressed people, illustrates the limitless reach of mercy and the unwavering commitment to serving the marginalized.

These saints, and many others, teach us that the Christian faith is not a passive effort; It is a call to active, tangible acts of love and service. In the context of the Palestinian struggle, we are called to be modern-day saints, to emulate their example by advocating for justice, showing compassion to the oppressed, and forgiving those who have wronged us.

Our faith also teaches us the importance of dialogue and reconciliation. Christ himself was a master of dialogue, interacting with people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs. He reached out to tax collectors, Samaritans, and Pharisees, overcoming divisions and fostering understanding. In our times, this spirit of dialogue and reconciliation is paramount, especially in regions beset by deep-seated conflicts.

Dialogue is not a sign of weakness; It is a powerful tool for resolution and reconciliation. It is through dialogue that understanding can be fostered, grievances addressed and the path to peace charted. In the case of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, dialogue is an axis for the resolution of a conflict that has persisted for generations.

It is in the common values ​​of love, compassion and justice that we find a basis for dialogue and reconciliation. We must recognize that our Palestinian brothers and sisters, like us, long for peace and freedom. They long for a life free from fear and oppression, just like us.

It is worth noting that there are many Christian communities in the Holy Land, including Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth. These Christian communities, which have existed for centuries, are an integral part of the region's rich tapestry. They live alongside their Muslim and Jewish neighbors and share the same aspirations for peace, justice and coexistence.

As Christians, we have a unique role to play in upholding the well-being of our Palestinian brothers and sisters, as well as the broader cause of peace in the Holy Land. Our spiritual connection to this land, the cradle of our faith, compels us to take an active role in promoting justice and reconciliation. It is a sacred duty, which resonates with the call to love our neighbors as ourselves.

In our defense of the Palestinian people, we must also be aware of the importance of humanitarian assistance. The people of Palestine have faced immense difficulties, including economic challenges, access to healthcare and the basic needs of life. Our Christian faith calls us to help the needy, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and care for the sick. This mandate is universal and extends to all corners of the world, including the Palestinian territories.

Humanitarian organizations, both secular and religious, play a crucial role in providing much-needed aid to the Palestinian people. As Christians, we can support these organizations, both through our prayers and our material contributions. It is a tangible way of living our faith, of being the hands and feet of Christ in a world marked by suffering and need.

It is important to recognize that defending justice and peace in the Holy Land is not a rejection of concerns about terrorist acts by Hamas or other criminal organizations. The Jewish connection to all of these Middle Eastern lands is also deeply rooted in history and faith. It is a complex issue and the search for a just solution does not require the denial of anyone's legitimate rights or identity.

In our defense of the Palestinian people, we must be clear that we defend justice, peace and reconciliation, not against any particular group. Our faith calls us to love all, to seek the well-being of all, and to fight for a world where all can live in harmony. 

The Palestinian struggle for freedom and justice is a call to our Christian conscience, a call to embody the values ​​of love, compassion and justice that Christ exemplified so deeply. It is a reminder that as Christians we are called to be peacemakers, defenders of the oppressed, and advocates of reconciliation. It is a call to justice, a call to peace, a call to the dignity and freedom of every human being.

We are uniquely positioned to play a vital role in this pursuit of justice and peace. Forced to defend the marginalized, defend the oppressed and work tirelessly for reconciliation. In the Holy Land, where our faith was born, we are called to be beacons of hope, voices of compassion and agents of change.

Let us remember that the Christian message is one of love, compassion and hope. It is a message that transcends borders, that unites people of diverse origins and beliefs. It is a message that can bring healing to a world marked by conflict and division.

Let us be the hands and feet of Christ in a world that so desperately needs his love.

The path to justice and peace is not easy, but it is worth taking. It is a journey that can lead to a better future, a future in which the people of Palestine can live in freedom and dignity, in which they can prosper without limitations imposed from outside.

On this path, let us draw strength from our faith, from the teachings of Christ and from the examples of the saints who have gone before us. Let us be unwavering in our commitment to justice, mercy and reconciliation. Let us be unwavering in our commitment to the Palestinian people and to all who suffer in the pursuit of freedom and dignity.

To help those suffering in Gaza, consider making a donation through the Holy Order of St. George's Gaza fundraising campaign.