Our prayers are with our friend Archmandrite Dr. Atallah Hanna, spokesperson for the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate.
The Greek Orthodox Patriarch recently received a letter from Mr. Uri Mor, Director of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the State of Israel, accusing Archmandrite Atallah of "Vilification against Israel and intervening in political matters," "attacking the state of Israel and her policies" during a statement he made to a group of Orthodox pilgrims in which he asked them "to support our Palestinian national struggle in its national aspiration which include the fulfillment of our rights, the return of captured territory, the right of (Palestinian) return and the establishment of a Palestine State whose capital is Jerusalem." From the letter: "We wish to advise your Beatitude [Diodoros I] that if disciplinary measures are not taken by the Patriarchate against the offensive act ... we hold the right to review the total relationship with the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem."
Archmandrite Atallah has received messages of solidarity from around the world. Locally, support for his ministry has been expressed at public meetings in Nazareth on May 19 and Jaffa on June 5.
We stand with you Abuna Atallah as you struggle against the powers that be and the structures of domination in this land.
"But we are not among those who shrink back and so are lost, but among those who have faith and so are saved." (Hebrews 10:39)