His Majesty King Abdullah, accompanied by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II, on Wednesday paid a visit to Karak Governorate, to offer best wishes to the Christian community in Jordan on the occasions of Christmas and New Year.

King Abdullah and the Crown Prince attended a celebration held by various Christian denominations.

At the ceremony, church leaders renewed Christians’ allegiance to the country’s leadership and urged peace and coexistence.

Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem, All Palestine and Jordan Theophilos III said the economic and social changes in the world require enlightenment, especially by residents of the holy land who have an old heritage of coexistence and harmony between Muslims and Christians.

In his speech, delivered on his behalf by Father Isa Mesleh, the patriarch voiced Christians’ support for His Majesty’s efforts to preserve national unity and coherence and to render Jordan a model of openness in the Middle East and the world.

Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh commended the King’s efforts to eliminate differences in the Jordanian society, which contributed to keeping Jordanians of different origins, sects, ideologies and orientations united in their homeland.

He also highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to protect the image of Islam from the harm caused by extremism and clarify to the world the faith’s true essence that is based on moderation and peace.

Latin Bishop of Jordan Maroun Elias Lahham underlined Jordanian Christians’ loyalty and commitment to building a culture of peace and love to counter extremism and hatred.