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| Archbishop Atallah Hanna Receives the UPF Award |
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| Marcelle Mansour and Archbishop Atallah Hanna |
Marcelle Mansour wrote:
During his three weeks visit
from Jerusalem to Sydney, on Monday September 23, 2013 Archbishop Theodosios of Sebastia, from the
Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem (Attalla Hanna) has received the (UPF)
Universal Peace Federation Award in Australia as a part of the celebration of
the United Nations’ International Day of Peace. Archbishop Hanna is known as
the Arab spokesman of the churches and an articulate defender of Palestinian
Rights. He has delivered the keynote speech at the Universal Peace Federation
Australia, reflecting the wonderful sense of faith and love for peace and
humanity.
Archbishop Hanna explained the
Palestinians’ cause and their suffering under the Israeli occupation and he mentioned that the Christian
churches have signed the document of Kairos Palestine three years ago for the
peace of the world and has urged everyone to read it.
He also discussed the current
unfortunate inhuman violence, terrorism and slaughter that carried out in the
Middle East by the Islamic fundamentalist extremists who are kidnapping
bishops, attacking Christians, churches, and public civilians, and
entities.
Theodosios
also has highlighted the importance of Christianity in spreading the word of
love and peace all over the world saying, the Orthodox Church in Jerusalem is
the mother of all churches. “Christianity is not imported; it has been there in
Palestine where Jesus was born, lived, crucified and resurrected.” He said.
“Jesus wants us to love each other and to prey for our enemies for guidance in
the light of justice and peace.”
He
also said that Palestine is the cradle of Christianity which was centered in
the triangle of Jerusalem, Antioch, and Alexandria with respect to Istanbul and
the Vatican. It is also the place which embraces the three major world
religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. He also added that all people are
created by God equal with no discrimination. Theodosios invited all people from
all religions and no religions to work together for the achievement of peace
and he stressed the point that Palestinians are seeking a civil state to live
under the dignity of freedom and democracy.
In conclusion, Archbishop Hanna praised the Australian country which
plays a role model in the coexistence of a successful multiculturalism in
harmony. He also directed his thanks and
appreciation to all the members of the universal Peace Federation for their
tireless efforts in working for peace and hoped that peace prevail the world.
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