Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs Participates in Holy Thursday Mass in Bethlehem Governorate
Dr. Ramzi Khouri, member of the PLO Executive Committee and Head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, took part in the Holy Thursday Mass held Thursday evening at the Church of the Forefathers of the Greek Orthodox in Beit Sahour.
The event was attended by Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Hani Al-Hayek, Deputy Mayor of Beit Sahour Laith Al-Mashni, representatives from Orthodox associations, a distinguished congregation of worshippers, and members of the Committee: Amira Hanania, Jihad Khair, and Director of Public Relations and Media Raed Hanania.
Following the service, Orthodox associations presented a commemorative gift to Dr. Khouri in recognition of the Committee’s ongoing support for Churches.
In his address, Khouri conveyed greetings from President Mahmoud Abbas and reaffirmed the Palestinian leadership’s commitment to preserving the Christian presence and its integral role within the national fabric.
“Christians are the indigenous people of this land and must remain steadfast in it,” Khouri stated, highlighting the Committee’s ongoing international efforts in collaboration with ambassadors and church institutions to support Christian communities in Palestine.
Father Issa Musleh emphasized that “the Church’s heritage is a sacred trust, and we will not bow to occupation.” He called on Palestinian Christians to remain rooted in their homeland and praised the Committee’s role in supporting the construction of a new church.
Minister Hani Al-Hayek stressed the significance of the occasion, stating, “This day teaches us patience and perseverance.” He condemned Israel’s attempts to displace Palestinians, affirming, “Our people are steadfast, our churches endure, and the Committee’s work strengthens our resilience and sends a powerful message to political leadership. We are not a diaspora community, we are the salt of the earth and its roots.”
Elias Awad, Chair of the Parish Council, expressed gratitude to Dr. Khouri and the Committee, commending their generous and continued support for the Church.
Earlier that same day, Dr. Khouri and members of the Committee attended the traditional Foot Washing Mass at the Syriac Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem, presided over by Bishop Mor Anthimos Jack Yacoub. The service was attended by members of the Syriac Orthodox community and their associations.
Bishop Mor Anthimos Jack Yacoub warmly welcomed the delegation, praising the Committee’s dedication to engaging with all Christian denominations during both spiritual and national events. He affirmed that such participation reflects the true partnership and unity among all components of the Palestinian people.
