A statement “expressing deep concern that the Catholic Patriarch of Jerusalem was prevented yesterday from entering the Temple of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem to celebrate Catholic Palm Sunday,” the foreign ministry said Monday morning.

As noted in the statement, “despite the current circumstances, the Status Quo of the Holy Sepulchre must be fully respected by all and in good faith. This takes on added importance in view of the upcoming Easter celebrations.”

In conclusion, the Greek Foreign Ministry notes that “Greece expresses its solidarity and unwavering support for the Christian Churches in Jerusalem and reiterates the importance of respecting the status quo of the Holy Sepulchre under any circumstances.”