The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East strongly condemned the recent attack on the city of Al-Suqaylabiyah in Hama, where violence and vandalism targeted properties and the shrine of the Virgin Mary.
The Patriarchate noted that the incident sparked widespread anger among the faithful, with reactions reaching Damascus, where gatherings took place outside the Patriarchate’s headquarters.
Condemning the events “in the harshest terms,” the Patriarchate rejected attempts to characterize such incidents as merely “individual acts,” stressing that this is “not necessarily the case.”
It called on the authorities to take firm action against those undermining civil peace, urging the opening of an official investigation, the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, and that the Patriarchate be informed of the findings.
The statement also demanded compensation for those affected and the adoption of measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, emphasizing that the State must assume full responsibility for maintaining civil peace and controlling unlicensed weapons.
At the same time, the Patriarchate expressed appreciation for the solidarity of its faithful and reaffirmed the importance of coexistence in Syrian society, stressing that it is built on “citizenship and integration” rather than a “majority–minority logic.”
Finally, echoing Patriarch John X, it stressed the need for concrete action, declaring: “Enough bloodshed in Syria.”
Amid the ongoing developments and on the eve of Holy Week, the Patriarchate prayed for peace and protection, expressing its confidence that “God is in her midst; she shall not be shaken.”
Read here the full statement:
The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East, along with Patriarch JOHN X personally, has been following the events that took place yesterday in the city of Al-Suqaylabiyah in the countryside of Hama. The city was subjected to an attack and intimidation from neighboring areas, including acts of violence and vandalism that targeted properties, and the shrine of the Virgin Mary was fired upon. This attack triggered repercussions and waves of public anger that extended as far as Damascus and continued until late last night in front of the Patriarchate’s headquarters.
The Patriarchate strongly condemns, in the harshest terms, what has happened and continues to happen. It denounces and deplores the incidents affecting the Christian community. These incidents are often justified by being labeled as “individual acts,” though this is not necessarily the case. It calls on the relevant authorities to deal firmly with anyone who undermines civil peace and not to overlook the recurring events that are repeatedly described as “individual acts,” though this is not necessarily the case.
The Patriarchate calls for the opening of an official investigation leading to the arrest and prosecution of those involved, and for the Patriarchate to be formally informed of the results of this investigation. This comes in response to incidents that are intended to stir sectarian tensions, tensions from which Syria has historically been spared. It also calls for compensation for those who have suffered material damages. It also calls for the implementation of measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, with the State, through its official institutions alone, assuming full responsibility for maintaining civil peace, including the control of unlicensed weapons.
The Patriarchate expresses its appreciation for the support and solidarity shown by its faithful, and for their sympathy and engagement with all that affects the Christian presence in Syria. It also values their concern for the shared life of the Syrian people in all its diversity, whether Muslim or Christian. It affirms that Syrian dignity and Syrian society are founded on the principles of citizenship and integration among all components, rather than on a majority–minority logic.
The Patriarchate affirms, before its Christian faithful spread across the world and before all, the necessity of moving from words to actions. It reiterates, in the words of its Patriarch JOHN X: “Enough bloodshed in Syria.”
Amid all that has happened and continues to unfold, and on the threshold of the Holy Passion of Christ, it prays to the Lord of Peace and the God of all consolation to protect this country. It affirms its full confidence, echoing the words of Holy Scripture that dispel all fear: “God is in Her midst; She shall not be shaken.”
