Archbishop Atallah Hanna’s Call: A Cry from Jerusalem to the Global Conscience

In the heart of Jerusalem, a city whose walls bear an unignorable history, and remain a symbol of peace and hope despite the ravages of war, the voice of Archbishop Atallah Hanna, the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Sebastia, resounded.

His call was not a mere traditional invitation for prayer or a sermon, but a resounding cry to stop the wheels of death and war that are devastating the oppressed peoples of Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria.

A Call to Churches from the Cradle of Christianity

Archbishop Hanna directed his appeal to all churches and Christian spiritual authorities worldwide, urging them to unite their voices and prayers for Palestine, which has been bleeding for over a year, and for Lebanon, which is once again suffering from conflict. In his appeal, the Archbishop connected Christian values with the lofty gospel principles, asserting that all churches bear a moral and spiritual responsibility in this critical moment. This is not merely a political war but a struggle for human justice, and the victims are not just numbers in news reports but children, elders, and innocents deprived of their right to live with dignity.

The Christian Voice in Times of War

The Archbishop spoke frankly and boldly about the necessity for the Christian voice to rise in the world, demanding an end to the catastrophe that has manifested in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. "Pray for us," said the Archbishop, "but your prayers must be accompanied by bold and clear stances." There is no place here for polished diplomacy or hesitation. It is a moment of truth and a direct confrontation with the painful realities these peoples are enduring.

The war on Gaza, as the Archbishop described it, is the most brutal and barbaric among the wars the Palestinian people have endured. This war is not merely a military assault but part of a broad conspiracy against the Palestinian cause with all its historical and humanitarian dimensions. "Why are Palestinians deprived of their legitimate right to live freely in their land?" the Archbishop asked, but the world, content to watch, remains silent.

The Church Against Injustice

The history of Christianity in Palestine is long and profound, and Palestine is the cradle of Christianity, where the message of love, tolerance, and peace was born. Today, Archbishop Atallah Hanna stands to defend this authentic Christian heritage, not by calling for violence or revenge, but by calling for justice and dignity. He believes that defending Palestine is defending Christianity at its birthplace and the right of every human to live with dignity.

Hence, the importance of the Archbishop’s call, which transcends geographical boundaries to speak to the global Christian conscience. It is an invitation to all those who believe in human values to stand with the oppressed, especially the children suffering the horrors of war. These children do not understand politics or conflict, but they pay the highest price for this tragedy.

Act Now, Not Tomorrow

In closing his appeal, Archbishop Atallah Hanna emphasized that the time has come to abandon polished diplomatic language that only delays solutions. There must be clear and bold positions demanding the end of aggression and the achievement of justice in a land long deprived of it. This is not just a religious issue; it is a call to the human conscience everywhere.

Conclusion:

Archbishop Atallah Hanna’s call is a cry born from a heart suffering from injustice. It reminds us that we are all partners in this suffering if we do not act. It is a call that cannot be ignored or postponed, but must drive immediate action to end these wars and achieve justice and peace. For justice is the only path to lasting peace in the Middle East and the world at large.