Welcome to this Week’s Eastern Churches News!
Join us as we explore the latest news from the Eastern Churches, brought to you in partnership with L’Œuvre d’Orient. This week, a fascinating discovery of a 1,500-year-old Byzantine church in Israel, Armenia’s recognition of the State of Palestine, and Cardinal Pietro Parolin’s recent visit to Lebanon.
Ancient Byzantine Church Unearthed in Israel
Exciting news from the Negev desert in southern Israel, where archaeologists have unearthed the remains of a 1,500-year-old Byzantine church. The Israel Antiquities Authority’s excavations also revealed fascinating engravings of ships on the church walls, left by pilgrims recounting their journeys to the holy sites.
These discoveries provide a captivating glimpse into the world of Christian pilgrims who traversed the Holy Land centuries ago. The Christian presence in the Negev persisted until the 8th century when mosques began to emerge in the region.
Armenia’s Support for Palestine
Recent developments saw Armenia officially recognizing the State of Palestine, a move that has stirred diplomatic reactions. The decision, made public on June 21, led to responses from various nations, including Turkey and Israel.
The strained relations between Armenia and Israel, exacerbated by the latter’s arms sales to Azerbaijan, came to the forefront. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted by summoning the Armenian ambassador, illustrating the complexities of regional dynamics.
Cardinal Parolin’s Mission in Lebanon
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, participated in a significant gathering at the Maronite Church headquarters in Bkerké, Lebanon, on June 25. The event emphasized the unity and coexistence of Christian and Muslim communities in the face of challenges.
While the summit saw the participation of many Christian and Sunni representatives, the absence of Shia delegates underscored tensions within the communities. Despite these challenges, the call for interfaith unity remains paramount in promoting peace and harmony.
Stay tuned for more Eastern Churches news in September. Wishing you a fantastic summer ahead!
