Jerusalem Freezes Greek Orthodox Church Accounts over Unpaid Property Tax Debt

Jerusalem freezes Greek Orthodox Church accounts over unpaid property tax debt

According to a Longstanding Arrangement Between Jerusalem's Greek Orthodox Churches and the State, Including the Greek Orthodox Church, the Churches Are Exempt From Municipal Tax. But the Jerusalem Municipality Argues That It Has the Right to Collect Tax on Church Assets That Aren't Used for Worship

Jerusalem Patriarchate bank accounts frozen by Israel, Church lands near Jericho targeted for settlement development - Syriac Press

JERUSALEM — The Israeli authorities’ decision to freeze the bank accounts of the autocephalous Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and impose heavy taxes on its properties has ignited widespread outrage among church and political circles. Many warn that the move is the latest in a series of escalating pressures targeting the historic Christian presence in the Holy Land. The Palestinian Presidential Committee for Church Affairs condemned the…

Bank accounts of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem frozen

The municipality of Jerusalem has frozen all bank accounts belonging to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, writes Times of Israel, citing the content of a statement published by the Patriarchate and Patriarch Theophilus itself. “On Wednesday, August 6, the municipality of Jerusalem unilaterally decided to freeze the bank account of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem. […]

Patriarch of Jerusalem praises King of Jordan for protecting Christians in the Holy Land | Orthodox Times (en)

Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem praised the role of King Abdullah II of Jordan in safeguarding Christians in the Holy Land. According to Al Mamlaka TV, the Patriarch emphasized that the King’s continued support for the Orthodox Church reflects the courage and wisdom that have long characterized Jordan’s leadership. “The position of the King of Jordan guarantees the protection of Christians in the Holy Land,” he stated. As reported by The J…