In Antiochian Church, Christian leaders of region discuss Syria’s future

A meeting of Christian leaders at the Antiochian Patriarchate. Photo: Orthodox Times

A meeting was held at the Antiochian Patriarchate with the participation of the regional Christian leaders, reports Orthodox Times.

Among the attendees were Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East, Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II (the Orthodox Church of Syria), Patriarch Youssef I (the Melkite Greek Catholic Church), Apostolic Nuncio to Syria, Cardinal Mario Zenari, as well as numerous bishops, monastics, and representatives of international organisations.

The main topic of discussion was strengthening national unity, supporting the people of Syria, and joint efforts for the stability and prosperity of the country. Participants highlighted the importance of collective Christian testimony in public and international life and established a joint committee to coordinate actions in response to current challenges.

The UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, was present at the meeting and expressed gratitude for the dialogue with Christian leaders. He noted that Syria belongs to all of its citizens and emphasised the need for constitutional reform, the lifting of sanctions, and the reconstruction of the country.

Patriarch John X confirmed that Syria is a country of equality and partnership, where all its residents, including Christians, have equal rights. "Christians are not guests in their homeland, but an essential and integral part of Syria's social fabric of Syria," he stated. The Patriarch emphasised the need for a democratic constitution that respects the rights of all citizens and preserves the secular nature of the state.

The UN representative reaffirmed the international community's commitment to supporting the reconstruction of Syria based on UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which outlines a peace settlement plan. "Today's meeting sends a powerful message in the right direction," he noted.

The meeting concluded with a joint prayer "invoking God to heal the pain and despair of the Syrian people, to inspire love and unity, and to strengthen efforts toward rebuilding the nation."

As reported previously, the Antiochian hierarch discussed security issues with the rebels in Syria.

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