[WORLD]26/06/17 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate slams seizure of Jerusalem church land

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Such actions threaten Christian rights and presence in the Holy Land, it warns

Excavators are seen on land seized by Israeli authorities near the Monastery of Saint Onuphrius in the Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan, Jerusalem. (Photo: Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania)

By UCA News reporter

Published: June 19, 2026 11:57 AM GMT

Updated: June 19, 2026 12:08 PM GMT

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem has expressed grave concern about Christians’ rights and safety in Jerusalem after Israeli authorities seized land that belonged to the Church.

In a statement issued on June 17, the Patriarchate condemned the seizure of land adjacent to the Monastery of Saint Onuphrius in the Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan, Jerusalem, on June 15.

The action constituted an “unlawful and illegitimate seizure” that “sets a dangerous precedent,” the Patriarchate said.

The patriarchate also alleged that its representative at the site was forcibly removed and his equipment confiscated by Israeli officials.

“Trees were uprooted, and the property was enclosed with fencing and gates,” the Patriarchate said while adding that the incident constitutes “an unlawful and illegitimate seizure of established Church property in the heart of Jerusalem.”

It reiterated that the piece of land designated as Parcel 6 of Block 29985 is registered in its name as per official records and is of historical, archaeological, and religious value.

According to the Bible, this piece of land was bought by the Jewish priests with the thirty pieces of silver that Judas Iscariot returned after betraying Jesus. The coins were his payment from the priests.

The Monastery of Saint Onuphrius stands adjacent to it. It was built in 1874 over the ruins of a former church believed to be situated on a piece of land known as the “potter’s field.”

The monk Saint Onuphrius is believed to have come from Egypt to the Holy Land during the third or fourth century. He was an ascetic who lived in a cave in the desert for over 60 years in strict isolation.

The Patriarchate also criticized a “troubling publication” from the authorities on the day of the seizure, which said that state land of archeological importance was recovered.

The Patriarchate emphasized that the seizure of private Church land in Jerusalem, which carries archaeological and religious significance, sets a dangerous precedent for Church rights in the region.

Reportedly, the land seizure was based on a municipal gardening order issued on April 18, 2019, whose term expired in April 2024.

The Patriarchate pointed out that such an order provides no legal basis for “uprooting trees, removing the lawful caretaker, sealing off Church land,” or denying access to its own property.

It also expressed “increasing concern” that the events in Silwan fall within “a wider pattern of escalating assaults aimed at weakening the indigenous Christian presence in the Holy Land.”

The Church body noted a rise in attacks against Christians and churches amid “unacceptable international tolerance.”

The Patriarchate alleged that Israeli settlers had unleashed 111 attacks or acts of violence against Christian clergy, nuns, worshippers, and church communities.

This includes 35 attacks targeting churches, monasteries, and religious symbols.