WCC NEWS: Patriarchs condemn attacks in Syria, pray for peace
His Beatitude John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East; His Holiness Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church; and His Beatitude Youssef Absi, Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, condemned attacks on the city of Al-Suqaylabiyah in Hama, Syria—including acts of violence and vandalism.
Convening at the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Damascus, the patriarchs addressed recent developments, with particular attention to the events in Al-Suqaylabiyah in the Hama countryside, the broader national Syrian context, and the situation of Christians across the country.
With deep concern and a sense of responsibility, they addressed the challenges facing Syria that threaten the country’s shared coexistence between Muslims and Christians. They emphasized the urgent need to control unregulated weapons and to maintain security and stability. They also stressed the importance of safeguarding the dignity of all citizens without exception.
“This must be grounded in the principles of citizenship, equal rights and duties, and respect for both personal and public freedoms,” the patriarchs stated.
A statement from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East also condemned what has happened and continues to happen.
“It denounces and deplores the incidents affecting the Christian community,” reads the statement. “These incidents are often justified by being labeled as ‘individual acts,’ though this is not necessarily the case.”
The patriarchate called on the relevant authorities to deal firmly with anyone who undermines civil peace, as well as for “the opening of an official investigation leading to the arrest and prosecution of those involved.” The patriarchate also called for compensation for those who have suffered material damages, as well as for the implementation of measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. “It affirms that Syrian dignity and Syrian society are founded on the principles of citizenship and integration among all components, rather than on a majority–minority logic,” reads the statement, which follows:
