Statement issued by the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East about the latest developments and changes that Syria is experiencing
This statement is shared from the Facebook Page of His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II.
You can find below the statement issued by the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East, about the latest developments and changes that Syria is experiencing.
Damascus – December 12, 2024
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 6-7)
Upon his return to the Patriarchate’s headquarters in Damascus after cutting short his apostolic visit to India, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II held an online meeting with their Eminences the Archbishops of the Syriac Orthodox Archdioceses in Syria and the Patriarchal Departments, on the evening of Thursday December 12, 2024, to discuss the latest developments and changes that our country Syria is currently experiencing. The meeting started with a prayer for Syria and for all its people. The Church Fathers then discussed the security situation in the country, and the results of the meetings of their Eminences the Archbishops in Damascus, Homs and Aleppo, as well as priests in various parishes, with the representatives of the leadership of the Syrian revolution, including politicians, military officials, clerics and others.
The Church Fathers reported that, during these meetings, the leadership of the Syrian revolution reassured the Christians who are an essential component of the beloved Syrian people, regarding the security and living conditions.
During the meeting, His Holiness stressed the importance of continuing these meetings which aim at securing societal peace for all components of the Syrian people in all regions and at cooperating with those in charge of the administration of the country for the good of the country and its people. He explained that the Church’s cooperation with the various civil and administrative authorities, throughout the ages, originates from the biblical command: “Honor everyone. Love the brothers. Fear God. Honor the King” (1 Peter 2: 17). In the Christian mindset, giving respect to the authorities and cooperating with them are built on the basis of the fear of God, which is the foundation for prosperity for every human being and for all nations. This can be done through works of charity and the provision of good to all alike. He emphasized that the Church is at awe facing the developments of the past days which revealed the magnitude of tyranny and highlighted the great injustice that was done, which many were not aware of, and thanking God for the safety of all those who were born again from the womb of detention, and praying for those who lost their lives.
His Holiness also emphasized the case of the kidnapped Archbishops of Aleppo, Boulos Yazigi and Mor Gregorius Youhanna Ibrahim; the Church Fathers highlighted the importance of what is being circulated about finding them. His Holiness instructed the Church Fathers to follow up on this case with the authorities, hoping that the truth about their kidnapping will be revealed.
At the conclusion of this meeting, His Holiness the Patriarch and their Eminences the Archbishops expressed their paternal love and prayers to all the members of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Syria, residents and expatriates, stressing the following points:
1- urging the members of the Church to persevere in prayer and fasting seeking peace from the King of peace, for prayer and fasting are important spiritual means that instill tranquility and wisdom in the hearts of the believers.
2- This sensitive period in the history of our homeland Syria raises many serious questions for the people of the country in general, and for the Christian Church and its children in Syria in particular, regarding their existence, future, religious freedoms and practicing their rites, in addition to their constitutional, civil and legal rights to manage their endowments, educational, medical, and social institutions, as well the implementation of the special personal status law that the Churches enjoyed. These questions need official answers from the leadership of the country. The Church affirms its continuous support for its children at this stage, as it always did. The Church will not spare any effort in supporting its children and advocating for their rights. She will not accept any form of mistreatment or abuse of their rights. The Church calls upon civil and international bodies to follow up these procedures and steps that lay the foundation for a new Syria. At the same time, the Church stands ready to engage with all Syrians and to cooperate with all those who seek the good of the country, and extends a helping hand to all to contribute towards the reconstruction of the country.
3- demand the preservation of the rights of the different ethnicities which constitute the fabric of Syrian society, in the new constitution, in a way that preserves their ethnic identity and their different languages. This will increase our country’s strength and stability in the face of challenges, and present a civilized image of Syria.
4- encourage those who serve in the police and army to benefit from the settlement process announced by the General Command.
5- encourage all members of the Church who wish to engage in public affairs, civilly and politically, to play their important role in emphasizing the active Christian presence in the service of the society and the country.
6- affirm the role of the Syriac charitable organizations and institutions in Syria to serve all the citizens of this country and cooperate for its reconstruction.
7- necessity to preserve the unity and integrity of the Syrian territory and preserve the security of its inhabitants, stressing that the Syrian Jazeerah (Northeast) and the Golan heights are an integral part of Syria, and likewise condemn the [Israeli] repeated violation of the sovereignty of Syria.
8- Offer our sincere thanks to the members of the Syriac church living abroad for their great love towards Syria and for their continuous support for their Syrian brothers and sisters throughout the crisis and war.
9- call upon governments and the international community to help in the humanitarian situation in Syria and urge them to work on lifting the sanctions, and to start supporting the reconstruction of Syria and the return of the refugees.
Finally, as we approach the celebration of the nativity of Christ, the Prince of Peace and the Spring of Hope, we aspire towards a prosperous future with eyes filled with hope for a lasting peace for this blessed country, and a dignified life based on justice and equality for all. May the Lord God protect our country Syria and its people, and grant them prosperity and wellbeing, through the intercession of St. Mary Mother of God and all the saints, Amen.
This statement was publsihed on the Facebook Page of His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II.
