Israel Refusing to Accept (Patriarch) Irineos: Patriarchate Disrupted

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Jerusalem

The Israeli government is refusing to recognize the authority of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of the Holy Land, more than three months after his election, on suspicion that he is pro-Palestinian.

The refusal to approve the appointment is said to be disrupting the day-to-day functioning of the Greek Patriarchate, the oldest and most powerful church in Jerusalem.

Under a law dating back to the sixth century emperor Justinian, the government of the Holy Land has the right to approve or disqualify candidates for the office of patriarch.

Patriarch Irineos, 62, was enthroned in August following a long and stormy election process. Jordan and …