Church leaders in Jerusalem have warned that violence still persists despite an official ceasefire in the region, in a Christmas message which calls on Christians to keep “praying and advocating” for peace. 

The patriarchs and heads of the churches in Jerusalem committed to “remain resolute” in sharing the “message of hope revealed in Christ’s Incarnation and Holy Nativity”.

The message reads: “While this year we rejoice that a ceasefire has allowed many of our communities to more publicly celebrate the joys of Christmas, we nevertheless pay heed to the Prophet Jeremiah’s warning against those saying “‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14).” 

“For we are fully aware that, despite a declared cessation of hostilities, hundreds have continued to be killed or suffer grievous injury. Many more have experienced violent assaults against themselves, their properties, and their freedoms— not only in the Holy Land, but also in neighboring countries.”

“We, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, following in the example of our Lord in His Incarnation, continue to stand in solidarity with all those who are suffering and downcast, and we call upon Christians and others of goodwill around the world to persevere in praying and advocating for a true and just peace in the homeland of our Lord’s birth—and, indeed, throughout the earth.”

The message points those who are suffering to the “spiritual strength” of Jesus, “even as the larger Body of Christ seeks to relieve your suffering and to strengthen you in your resolve to persevere in the Lord’s work.”

It comes as Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, made a Christmas visit to Gaza. He visited the Holy Family Parish Church, the only Catholic Church in the region.