In his greeting to Rivlin, Jerusalem Metropolitan Theophilos III noted the link between Passover and Easter, which symbolizes the warm relations between the Children of Abraham.
By GREER FAY CASHMANPRESIDENT REUVEN RIVLIN meets with senior Greek Orthodox cleric Theophilos III in Jerusalem(photo credit: Mark Neiman/GPO)
President Reuven Rivlin met on Tuesday with spiritual and lay leaders of the Christian community during a visit to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, where he was hosted by Jerusalem Metropolitan Theophilos III.Rivlin told the gathering that he considers the desecration of Christian holy sites – including recent vandalism attacks – just as painful as the desecration of Jewish holy sites. The State of Israel is committed to freedom of worship for all faiths, he said, and desecration is against the law and must be dealt with immediately.In his greeting to Rivlin, Theophilos noted the link between Passover and Easter, which symbolizes the warm relations between the Children of Abraham. He said that Jews, Christians and Muslims co-existed in the Holy Land for centuries in harmony and with mutual understanding and tolerance, and he commended Rivlin for his firm stand against any form of religious and racial discrimination.The pair exchanged gifts and Rivlin said he prayed they would all live to see peace in the region based on justice, respect and security.In the guest book, Rivlin inscribed a quote from the Book of Psalms: “Ask for the peace of Jerusalem. May all that love thee prosper.”