Abbas meets Theophilus III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, in Ramallah

The PNA president expressed confidence that the matter of the patriarchate property will be swiftly resolved. Congratulations from Theophilus for Ramadan.

 Ramallah (AsiaNews) – The president of the Palestinian Authority (PNA), Mahmoud Abbas, yesterday met Theophilus III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jersualem. The meeting was held in the headquarters of the president in Ramallah.

Abbas assured the patriarch and members of the Synod accompanying him of his "full faith" and confidence that the matter of the illegal sale of real estate undertaken by the preceding patriarch Ireneus I "will be resolved soon".

Ireneus I is accused of having secretly sold to Jewish investors some palaces belonging to the Patriarchate in the old city of Jerusalem, a stone's throw away from Jaffa gate. The actions of Ireneus forced the Orthodox Synod to remove him from office on 7 May this year. On 24 May, the pan-Orthodox Synod of Constantinople (Istanbul) ratified the decision and deprived Ireneus of his title and authority as patriarch.

There is as yet no legal decision about the financial escapade of Ireneus I, who was recently demoted to the rank of monk for celebrating a ceremony in Ramallah in patriarch's vestments. Archbishop Aristarchos told AsiaNews he "is in his room and working peacefully".

Theophilus III replied to Abbas by congratulating him about the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan and inviting him to visit the Patriarchate.

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