His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II Receives a Delegation from the World Council of Churches
On July 8, 2022, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, received a delegation from the World Council of Churches headed by the WCC Acting General Secretary Rev. Prof. Dr. Ioan Sauca, at the Patriarchate Headquarters in Bab Touma - Damascus. The delegation included Mr Rudelmar de Faria, ACT Alliance General Secretary, Dr. Michel Abs, MECC General Secretary, and Mr. Michel Nseir.
His Eminence Archbishop Mor Joseph Bali, Patriarchal Secretary and Media Office Director, Mr. Roy Mousally, Executive Director of EPDC, and Mr Razek Syriany were also present.
His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II spoke about the challenges facing the Syrian people, highlighting the necessity to lift the illegal and unilateral sanctions which hurt the people and prevent them from getting their basic needs. He also lamented the absence of the World Council of Churches during the critical times faced by the Syrian people, including the Christians belonging to member Churches of the WCC in Syria. He pointed out that Christians should be supported to remain in their homeland. The delegation also listened to an explanation of the work carried out by the Patriarchate to provide aid to the Syrian people and the development projects it is implementing to provide job opportunities and help families suffering as a result of the deteriorating economic conditions. The delegation affirmed the Council's support for the churches and its desire to cooperate with them in order to provide better service to the needy.
The delegation’s visit to Syria comes within the framework of learning about the real situation of the churches and offering solidarity and support.
This news was originally published on His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II 's Facebook page.
