Patriarch of Jerusalem discusses Holy Land at screening of film on Palestinian Christians

The Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III exits the Aedicule of the Holy Sepulcher on May 4, 2024, in Jerusalem, showing the faithful the two candles just lit from the oil lamp that is believed to have been miraculously ignited inside Jesus’ tomb. / Credit: Studio Sami Jerusalem

CNA Staff, Feb 24, 2025 / 15:05 pm (CNA).

Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem spoke about the dire situation for Palestinian Christians at a showing of the film “Via Dolorosa” at the United Nations on Feb. 18.

The film depicts the Christian presence in Palestine and is narrated through the eyes of its Christians, capturing important moments that have shaped their history, resilience, and identity.

“We proudly commend this blessed work as well as the granted auspices of the World Council of Churches and the Permanent Observer Mission of the State of Palestine, as well as all the other international organizations that lent their name and support,” the patriarch said, according to the World Council of Churches.

The patriarch also touched on the dire economic situation there, saying: “The economic situation continues to deteriorate because of the lack of pilgrims, the scarcity of jobs, and the unstable security situation in the West Bank and Jerusalem.”

Filmmaker Amira Hanania spoke to those in attendance before the showing and said this is the first documentary to tell the history of Palestinian Christianity through the eyes of the Christians themselves.

“It tells their story as they have lived it — free from distortion, free from erasure. It is a living testament to the role of Palestinian Christians in the struggle for justice and a powerful rebuttal to those who seek to erase their identity from the national and international arena,” she said.

Hanania added: “In the face of attempts to erase our history and displace our people, we stand here to declare that this land is not just a relic of the past but a living identity that will never be silenced nor erased.”

Father Ibrahim Faltas, vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land, said at the event: “This documentary is Via Dolorosa for every Christian person in Palestine. Living in Palestine is a part of sorrow. I have been living in Palestine for 36 years.”

He shared that during his time living in Palestine he witnessed the first and second intifadas and the siege of the Church of the Nativity. Now, he is witnessing Christians leaving their homes in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Nazareth amid mounting challenges and difficulties. 

Theophilos said in an interview after the screening that Christians have “a moral obligation to raise our voice and to show to the people that we are very much concerned about the Holy Land, and the holy city of Jerusalem, and its Christian character.”

“Jerusalem is the only place that keeps and guards the values of the Bible,” he said.

The documentary can be viewed here.