The statement, titled "Homily For The Midnight Mass - Christmas 2023," conveyed the patriarchate's thoughts on the ongoing challenges and conflicts affecting the area.
It emphasized the plight of Palestinians, saying: "Their suffering ceaselessly cries out to the whole world. No place or home is safe for anyone. Thousands of people have been deprived of their basic needs; they are hungry, and they are even more exposed to incomprehensible violence."
The message extended sympathy to all those affected by the war in Palestine, Israel and the broader region, particularly expressing solidarity with those in "mourning and weeping and waiting for a concrete gesture of closeness and care."
The statement singled out Gaza, saying: "My thoughts go to Gaza and its two million inhabitants. Truly the words 'there was no room for them' describe their situation, which is now known to all."
Highlighting the challenges faced by Palestinians, the statement underscored that they have been living in this difficult situation for an extended period, waiting for decades for the international community to find solutions to the occupation and its consequences.
The message also acknowledged the overwhelming impact of the current circumstances, saying: "The noise of weapons, the children’s tears, the suffering of the refugees, the cry of the poor, and the grief of so many mourning families seem to make our songs lose harmony. It seems difficult to rejoice, and our words seem empty and void."