According to Middle East Concern, the security forces used “unprecedented force” against the monks who were opposing alleged violations of church property by the Israeli government.
It’s reported one monk was arrested and detained, but later freed after intervention from the Egyptian Embassy.
The dispute is linked to the Chapel of Archangel Michael in Deir Sultan which sits next to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It has been contested for many years after an Ethiopian congregation was permitted by the Israeli government to take control of the property, despite a court ruling upholding the property rights of the Coptic Church.
Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, Archbishop Angaelos labelled the video “alarming”.
In a statement he said: “With this alarmingly and escalating situation, we pray safety and peace for His Eminence Archbishop Antonios and his clergy and community in Jerusalem.
“We also pray wisdom, discernment, and true visionary and reconciliatory leadership for Israeli authorities, as they find a legitimate path through this now complex situation in the very birthplace of Christianity, especially as it affects a community that represents the largest Christian presence in the Middle East, continues to face persecution, is recognised and respected around the world for its spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation, and has been a peaceful and…
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