Antioch Holy Complex for Peaceful Solution in Syria

BEIRUT,(ST)_ The holy  Antioch complex reiterated   during its second regular session under the chairmanship of Patriarch John X Yazigi Patriarch of Antioch and All the East for Greek Orthodox the importance of dialogue and the peaceful resolution of the crisis in Syria and the region , stressing that the language of violence and murder is not part  of the  traditions of the Syrian people who aspire to live in freedom and dignity .

A statement issued by the Secretariat of Antioch complex after its  session in Balamand in Lebanon yesterday denounced  terrorist operations plaguing Syria , in acts of  killing  and destruction, stressing that the language of violence and murder is a language alien to the traditions  of the Syrian people who aspire to live in freedom and dignity in their own land , governed with  the values of freedom, justice and coexistence based on  mutual respect  and the need for a peaceful solution to overcome all the crises .

The statement  called on  the international community  to alleviate  the suffering of the Syrian people , to quit fueling the crisis and underlined  the importance of consolidating the values of peace , justice and democracy and work to rebuild what was demolished  in order to develop the capacity of the Syrian people instead of investing in iron and fire .

The statement expressed sorrow for ambiguity , concerning  the issue of the two abducted bishops Paul Yazigi Metropolitan of  Aleppo and Iskenderun and  their Surroundings  for the Greek Orthodox church  and John Ibrahim Metropolitan of Aleppo and its surroundings for  the  Syriac Orthodox .

The participants in the meeting  also called on the  international and Arab communities to shoulder their responsibility in this regard and uncover the fate of the abducted bishops and all kidnapped persons  in Syria .

They  appealed international and non – governmental organizations and all concerned bodies to secure the necessities of life for the displaced Syrians , especially on the eve of winter to live in dignity while waiting return to their towns and villages .

The statement pointed out that the meeting discussed issues of concern of the  Orthodox Church  and  the need for cooperation between the Orthodox churches to maintain its optimal  unity , wishing stability and peace  to be established in Palestine, and  Iraq and stressed the need to find a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue . 

T. Fateh