On December 26, 2024, HRH Prince Hassan met with leaders of Eastern and Western Christian churches to convey holiday greetings and emphasize unity. He called for a shared commitment to ethical values, human dignity, and support for marginalized groups, while Archbishop Antimos highlighted the significance of joy and hope during Christmas amidst current hardships.
On December 26, 2024, His Royal Highness Prince Hassan, chairperson of the Royal Institute for Interfaith Studies (RIIFS), engaged with leaders and representatives of both Eastern and Western Christian churches during a gathering at the St. Ephrem Syriac Orthodox Church in Amman. In his address, Prince Hassan expressed warm holiday greetings to the Christian community in Jordan and highlighted the imperative of fostering a spirit of national enlightenment and revival. Furthermore, he articulated the necessity of establishing ethical foundations rooted in shared religious values that advocate for human solidarity, compassion, and tolerance among all individuals.
Prince Hassan emphasized that the fundamental understanding of human dignity, resonating in both Islamic and Christian teachings, aligns with the pursuit of equality, particularly in supporting marginalized and oppressed groups. He remarked, “The Mashreq is a region of diverse traditions…with a strong belief in the call for unity, especially in these challenging times.” The prince also urged for a connection between faith, education, and collective efforts to cultivate a brighter future that is liberated from tyranny, occupation, and extremism.
In the same gathering, Archbishop Antimos Jacques Yaacoub of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Jerusalem and Jordan reflected upon the significant themes of Christmas, which encapsulate joy and peace amid ongoing hardships faced by individuals in regions such as Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon. He underscored that the Christmas spirit remains a beacon of joy, hope, and reconciliation, emphasizing its relevance in today’s global context.
This meeting reflects ongoing efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and strengthen community ties among various religious groups in Jordan, particularly within an increasingly complex Middle Eastern context. Prince Hassan’s role as a leader in interfaith initiatives demonstrates a commitment to fostering relations across religious boundaries, while his address highlights mutual values shared by Islam and Christianity. The significant presence of church leaders during the holiday season emphasizes the importance of unity and collaboration among different faiths to address contemporary challenges.
In summary, HRH Prince Hassan’s meeting with Christian church leaders underscores a commitment to unity and interfaith cooperation in Jordan. His call for renewed ethical values and support for marginalized communities aligns with both Islamic and Christian principles. The message of joy and hope shared by Archbishop Yaacoub reaffirms the importance of reconciliation and peace during the Christmas season, particularly amidst the struggles faced by diverse communities in the region.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
