The Standing Holy Synod of the Church of Greece has issued a statement emphasizing the vital role of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch, one of the five historic and ancient Patriarchates, in preserving the ecclesiastical tradition and its continued presence in Syria.
“The Patriarchate holds a special place in the history of the Christian Church and must remain alive and prosperous in Syria as a guardian of the Orthodox Christian tradition,” the statement affirmed, addressing the ongoing challenges facing Syria and its Christian population.
The Church of Greece highlighted its enduring support for the Syrian people since the onset of the civil war in 2011, providing both material and spiritual assistance. In 2013, it took a firm stance against the kidnapping of Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim, the Syriac Orthodox Archbishop of Aleppo, and Paul (Yazigi), the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Beroea (Aleppo), by addressing letters of concern to the United Nations and the European Union. The two hierarchs remain missing to this day.
Echoing recent remarks by Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, the Synod expressed its deep concern for the Christian communities in Syria, stating that it maintains constant communication with the Patriarchate of Antioch. “The Church of Greece stands ready to provide any assistance requested by the Patriarchate,” the statement said.
The Synod also recalled Syria’s historic role as the cradle of Christianity. “It was in Syria that the disciples of Christ were first called Christians, and it is a land that has nurtured saintly figures of universal radiance, such as Saints John Chrysostom, John of Damascus, and Simeon the Stylite.”
The Synod underscored the Patriarchate of Antioch’s importance as a historic institution with a profound contribution to Christianity. “The uprooting of Orthodox Christianity from Syria would be a tragic insult to history and an irreparable loss to the region’s cultural and spiritual heritage,” the statement warned.
It concluded with a fervent prayer for the preservation of peaceful coexistence in Syria, rooted in mutual respect, and issued a strong appeal:
- To the Greek Government: Take immediate initiatives to restore peace in Syria.
- To the international community: Protect the civilian population, prevent further humanitarian tragedies, and ensure the long-term presence of the Patriarchate of Antioch and the Christian community in Syria.
The Church of Greece reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting Christians in the Middle East and safeguarding their precious spiritual heritage.
“The Church of Greece stands united with the Patriarchate of Antioch and prays for the restoration of peace, stability, and mutual respect in the region,” the statement concluded.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
