Patriarchate condemns terrorist attack on Greek Orthodox church in Jordan

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa has condemned a terrorist attack on Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in the Hamoud area of Karak Governorate in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. According to the Patriarchate, the attack resulted in several deaths and injuries.

Condolences and solidarity

Metropolitan Demaskinos Al-Azraei, Bishop of Mariout and Patriarchal Vicar, signed a statement from the Patriarchal Office in Alexandria conveying condolences from Pope and Patriarch Theodore II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, to King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, Patriarch Theophilus III, Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and All Works of Palestine, Metropolitan Christopher, the Bishop of Jordan, the families of the martyrs, and the Jordanian people, according to Youm7.

Pope and Patriarch Theodore II said the attack represents a violation of religious and human values, according to Al-Dostor.

Rejection of violence

The Patriarchate affirmed its absolute rejection of attacks on houses of worship and noted that targeting innocent people contradicts divine teachings, according to Al-Dostor. The Patriarchate also praised the official Egyptian position and recalled President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's emphasis on Egypt's stance alongside Jordan against violence and terrorism, according to Youm7.

The statement expressed confidence in the Jordanian state and its leadership's ability to protect the security of the country and its citizens and to bring those responsible for the attack to justice, according to Al-Dostor. The Patriarchate concluded its statement by praying for the souls of the victims, the healing of the injured, and the consolation of their families, according to Al-Dostor.