Christian Denominations Hold Prayers for Peace in Syria

The Christian denominations in Syria held joint prayers for peace in the country and for the peace of the souls of martyrs.

The participants hoped the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Bishop Paul Yazigi, and Syriac Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Bishop John Ibrahim, who were kidnapped by terrorist group in Aleppo, will be freed soon.

The participants stressed that Syria will defeat its enemies, highlighting the need to reject Syria’s enemies endeavors to ignite sedition and separation among the Syrians.

On the occasion, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and the Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East issued a statement expressing sorrow over the abduction of the two bishops.

The statement highlighted that the Christians in this region regret the violence in their countries, calling the kidnappers to respect the bishops and calling on all sides to put an end to the acts that could ignite sectarian discord.

“We call upon the whole world to exert all possible efforts as to end the tragedy in Syria so that it can once again be a country of amity and co-existence. We call all churches to take a stance that rejects all sorts of violence which the persons in the East are exposed to,” the statement stipulated.

In Tartous, the Christian denominations prayed for Syria to be secure, stable and a haven for all oppressed persons. Celebrations included prayers and masses only.

In Sweida, Metropolitan of Jabal al-Arab and Horan for the Greek Orthodox, Saba Esper, denounced the abduction of bishops Yazigi and Ibrahim and all the terrorist acts against the country and its people.

In a mass on the occasion of the Palm Sunday, which included only prayers and masses, Esper called for putting an end to all forms of violence and terrorism in Syria and exerting efforts to restore peace through dialogue and political solution.

He stressed the need of consolidating national unity and spreading the values of amity and tolerance among the Syrians.