The joys of Christmas in Bab Touma… Patriarch Ephrem II: The event is a message of love and peace
On the occasion of Christmas and New Year’s Days, the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East held an event titled “Christmas Joys” on December 18th’ evening.
The event included a charity market within the Syriac Martyrs’ Garden in Bab Touma neighborhood in Damascus.
The opening ceremony of the event, which will continue until the 27th of this month, included Gregorian chants and hymns of the Saint Ephrem the Syriac Patriarchal Choir, where various types of goods and products are displayed in the charitable market, the proceeds of which go to support poor families and orphans.
In a speech during the opening of the event, His Holiness Mar Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church in the world, said that the event constitutes a message of love and peace to the world from Syria.
His Holiness Patriarch Ephrem II added that Christmas this year is characterized by the greatest feeling of joy that emanates from the hearts of the people of Syria.
Mar Anthemos Jack Yaqoub, Patriarchal Vicar for Youth Affairs and Christian Education, stressed that the people of Syria during their celebrations of Christmas and New Year embody their national unity.
He expressed his hope for the return of Syria as it was- the country of joy, love, brotherhood and harmony.
A number of owners of economic and small projects participating in the charitable market indicated that participation is an opportunity to display food products and various commodities.
A number of visitors noted that the market provided a wide range of goods and materials that families need to celebrate the holidays in one place.
O. al-Mohammad