On Thursday, January 2, 2025, Bishop Nektarios of Diocleia, National Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, represented Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at a luncheon held in honor of Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East of the Syriac Orthodox Church.
The event was graciously hosted by Archbishop Dionysius John Kawak, Patriarchal Vicar of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch for the Eastern United States.
During this gathering, attended by other ecumenical representatives, the discussion centered on the current situation in Syria and the precarious future for Christians in the Middle East. Mor Ignatius Aphrem II provided a detailed account of the ongoing challenges in Syria following the regime change, emphasizing the need for peace as well as equal citizenship and rights for Christians during this critical period of transition and rebuilding.
Bishop Nektarios was accompanied by Protopresbyter Nicolas Kazarian, Director of the Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical, and Interfaith Relations Department.
Photo: GOARCH/Orthodox Observer
