His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II Visits the City of Antioch Following the Earthquake that Hit the Region
Translation by Dr. Theodora Issa
On February 20, 2023, His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, arrived in the city of Antioch, the historical capital of the Patriarchate, where the disciples and followers of Our Lord Jesus Christ were first called Christians, on an exceptional and historic visit following the painful and devastating earthquake. Which struck the region leaving behind the great devastation, and thousands of victims and injured.
On this visit, His Holiness was accompanied by their Eminences, Mor Philoxinous Youssef Cetin, Patriarchal Vicar in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, Mor Gregorious Melki Urek, Patriarchal Vicar in Adyaman, and affiliate regions, Mor Joseph Bali, Patriarchal Secretary and Director of the Media Department, and Raban Andrew Bahi.
His Holiness met with His Excellency the President of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan. His Holiness offered Mr Erdogan his condolences in the name of the Syriac Orthodox Church for the human loss following the devastating earthquake, assuring Mr Erdogan that the Syriac Orthodox Church stands in solidarity with the Turkish people in this ordeal.
His Holiness and the accompanying delegation travelled around the afflicted city, inspecting the affairs of those affected by this disaster, familiarizing themselves with their needs, simultaneously consoling and encouraging them, thus, embedding hope in their hearts, hope and faith that will never disappoint. Further, and with a heavy heart, they witnessed the terrible destruction as they saw the destroyed buildings, and entire neighborhoods that have been lost.
On the ground, His Holiness was briefed by the emergency teams, governmental and humanitarian bodies, and organizations, on the progress of relief work from the ongoing rescue operations and securing shelters for the thousands whose homes were destroyed or damaged, as well as providing urgent and necessary assistance in such an extremely difficult circumstance.
His Holiness visited the destroyed churches, especially the historic Church of St. Peter the Apostle, and raised prayers for the comfort of the souls of all the victims of this earthquake, condolences, and peace to the hearts of their relatives and their families, a request for a speedy recovery for all the injured, support for all the afflicted, and support for all relief teams working for the aid of citizens and refugees. His Holiness also thanked Our Lord and God Jesus Christ for the mighty hand and the miraculous miracles that appeared in the recent period that were manifested in the rescue and recovery of hundreds alive from under the rubble, even after nearly two weeks had passed since the disaster.
