King, Crown Prince offer best wishes to Christians on Christmas, New Year
AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah, accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, paid a visit to Karak Governorate, to offer best wishes to the Christian community in Jordan on the occasions of Christmas and New Year.
The King and the Crown Prince attended a celebration held by various Christian denominations, according to a Royal Court statement.
At the ceremony, church leaders renewed Christians’ allegiance to the country’s leadership and urged peace and coexistence.
Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem, All Palestine and Jordan Theophilos III said the economic and social changes in the world require enlightenment, especially by residents of the holy land who have an old heritage of coexistence and harmony between Muslims and Christians.
In his speech, delivered on his behalf by Father Isa Mesleh, the patriarch voiced Christians’ support for His Majesty’s efforts to preserve national unity and coherence and to render Jordan a model of openness in the Middle East and the world.
Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh commended King Abdullah’s efforts to eliminate differences in the Jordanian society, which contributed to keeping Jordanians of different origins, sects, ideologies and orientations united in their homeland.
He also highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to protect the image of Islam from the harm caused by extremism and clarify to the world the faith’s true essence that is based on moderation and peace.
Latin Bishop of Jordan Maroun Elias Lahham underlined Jordanian Christians’ loyalty and commitment to building a culture of peace and love to counter extremism and hatred.
In an interview with the Jordan News Agency, Petra, Nagham Habib, one of the Iraqi Christian refugees who sought refuge in Jordan along with her three children, said that the Kingdom gave her and her family hope despite the difficult situation.
She added that the Iraqi Christian refugees in Jordan receive much care by Jordanian institutions and families, especially the Caritas, which provides them with accommodation and food.
