JERUSALEM, December 19, 2005, (WAFA)- The Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem strongly condemned Monday the Israeli campaign of incitement and lies against Theopilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of the Holy City.

In a statement received by WAFA, the Patriarchate accused Israeli "parties" behind the media campaign against Theopilos III.

It said that the Israeli media targets, Theopilos III, with lies and lazes by claiming that he does not exert efforts for protecting the real estates belong to the Church.

The Patriarchate wondered how the Israelis could accuse the Patriarch since he was newly inducted.

It added that the Israeli Government tries to blackmail the Patriarch by such media campaign and not approving his induction.

It added that through such campaign the Israelis try to deform the good relations between the Patriarchate and the Palestine.

Theopilos III was elected by The Orthodox Holy Synod in Jerusalem on August 22, 2005, to replace Irineos I.

Irinios I was dismissed by the Holy Synod and the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulcher, in May 2005 after the scandal of sailing Orthodox real-estates and properties to Jewish extremist groups in Israel.

The Patriarchate concluded by reiterating that Theopilos III would try to cancel all the packages carried out by Irineos I.

S.A.S. (20:29 P) (18:29 GMT)