Greece urges full respect for Holy Sepulchre Status Quo after Patriarch blocked Greek City Times

Greece has expressed deep concern after the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem was prevented from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday to conduct a Catholic service.

In an official statement, the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the long-standing Status Quo governing the Holy Sepulchre must be fully respected by all parties.

Concern over unprecedented incident

“Greece expresses its deep concern over the fact that the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem was prevented on Sunday from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem to celebrate the Catholic Palm Sunday service,” the Ministry said in a post on X.

The incident has drawn attention due to its timing, occurring just ahead of the Easter period—one of the most significant times in the Christian calendar.

Call to respect historic Status Quo

The Ministry emphasised that, regardless of the current security situation, the delicate balance governing the Holy Sepulchre must remain intact.

“Despite the current circumstances, the Status Quo of the Holy Sepulchre must be fully respected by all and in good faith. This assumes additional importance in view of the upcoming Easter celebrations,” the statement said.

The Status Quo arrangement, dating back centuries, regulates the rights and responsibilities of different Christian denominations at the holy site.

Support for Christian Churches in Jerusalem

Athens also reiterated its solidarity and unwavering support for Christian communities in Jerusalem.

“Greece expresses its solidarity and unwavering support to the Christian Churches in Jerusalem and reiterates the importance of the respect of the Status Quo of the Holy Sepulchre under all circumstances,” the statement concluded.

The development comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with concerns growing over access to holy sites during the Easter period—particularly as Orthodox Easter will be celebrated one week after Catholic Easter this year.

Source: ANA-MPA