On December 26, 2024, Prince Hassan met with leaders from Eastern and Western Christian churches to convey holiday greetings. He emphasized the importance of unity, shared values, and moral foundations based on compassion and tolerance. Archbishop Antimos Jacques Yaacoub highlighted the joyous message of Christmas amidst ongoing hardships in the region, promoting reconciliation among communities.
On December 26, 2024, His Royal Highness Prince Hassan, the chairperson of the Royal Institute for Interfaith Studies, gathered with leaders and representatives of both Eastern and Western Christian churches at the St. Ephrem Syriac Orthodox Church in Amman. This meeting coincided with the celebrations of Christmas and the New Year. During the gathering, Prince Hassan expressed his holiday greetings to the Christian community in Jordan and emphasized the necessity of national enlightenment and revival efforts.
The Prince underscored the importance of shared values and principles that unite humanity. He advocated for establishing ethical foundations rooted in common religious tenets that champion human solidarity, tolerance, and compassion. He indicated that both Islam and Christianity share a core understanding of human dignity centered around equality, particularly in supporting the oppressed and marginalized. “The Mashreq is a region of diverse traditions, and this diversity has fostered a culture of mutual respect and cooperation, with a strong belief in the call for unity, especially in these challenging times,” he stated.
Furthermore, Prince Hassan highlighted the vital link between faith, education, and the collaborative efforts necessary to build a better future devoid of tyranny, occupation, and extremism. Archbishop Antimos Jacques Yaacoub, the Patriarchal Vicar of the Syriac Orthodox Church, also contributed to the discussion by reflecting on the significance of Christmas as a time of joy, peace, and reconciliation despite the ongoing hardships faced by many in the region.
His Royal Highness Prince Hassan has been a prominent advocate for interfaith dialogue and collaboration in Jordan and the broader region. The meeting at St. Ephrem Syriac Orthodox Church serves as a platform for strengthening relations among various Christian denominations, enhancing mutual respect, and fostering peace, particularly in the context of contemporary challenges faced by communities in the Middle East. Events such as these are pivotal in reaffirming the principles of solidarity and compassion that are crucial for social harmony and development.
The gathering led by Prince Hassan at the St. Ephrem Syriac Orthodox Church signifies a substantial effort to promote unity and collaboration among different Christian communities in Jordan, particularly during the festive seasons. His emphasis on shared values, human dignity, and the importance of education reflects a forward-thinking approach to societal challenges, encouraging all to work together towards a brighter, more inclusive future. With continuing dialogue, there is a possibility for greater understanding and peaceful coexistence among diverse faiths.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
