The man newly enthroned as Greek Orthodox patriarch of Jerusalem claimed in an interview he is “reviewing” the details of the recent sale to Jewish groups of church land comprising much of Jaffa Gate – the key entrance to Jerusalem`s Old City – and said he is striving to maintain the “status quo” between Israelis and Palestinians in the area.

But WorldNetDaily revealed that Theofilos III, crowned as patriarch last week in a ceremony at Jerusalem`s Church of the Holy Sepulchre despite Israel`s objections, signed a secret document obliging him to nullify the sale to Jews of two hotels that comprise a large section of the gate. The property transfer enraged the church`s significant Palestinian membership in Israel, who claim Jerusalem as the capital of a future state.

A church official described the land sale issue as “crucial,” explaining that “if peace proposals come through and Jerusalem is ever divided, the Palestinians want Jaffa`s Gate, but the lease would give it to Israel.” The lease was signed by former patriarch Ireneos, who continues to occupy the patriarch`s quarters while Israel debates recognition of Theofilos, who cannot act in an official capacity without Israeli authorization. (New elections were held after it was revealed Ireneos allegedly leased the church`s Jaffa Gate real estate to Jewish groups.)

Ireneos said in an interview that he could not comment on the secret document regarding nullification of the Jaffa Gate sale, but said, “There is a lot at play here in the election of Theofilos and attempts at deposing [me].

“The electorate was blackmailed into supporting Theofilos. They were told by fathers and brotherhood members and others that if they didn`t vote for Theofilos, they would be kicked out of the church. Documents were made to be signed.”

A lobbyist involved in the patriarchal elections said, “The document Theofilos signed is racism, pure and simple. The church has a very large Palestinian and Jordanian Arab constituency. The only reason the church wants the Jaffa Gate lease nullified is because it signed over Jerusalem land to Jews.”

This entry was posted on Friday, December 16th, 2005 and is filed under news. You can leave a response.