Masses Marking Virgin Mary Assumption.. Patriarchs Yazigi, Avram 2nd, Laham: We will build the Man, the Nation
GOVERNORATES,(ST)_ On the occasion of Virgin Mary feast, ceremonial prayers and Masses were held yesterday during which Virgin Mary Waistband returned to the Church of Virgin Mary in the old city of Homs, in the presence of His Holiness Patriarch Mar Ignatius Ephrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East Supreme Head of the Syrian Orthodox Church in the world.
Patriarch Ephrem II expressed delight over the return of peace and the girdle of Virgin Mary to the city of Homs as constituting “an asset and blessing to the city ” which gave the church its name and bless the people of Homs for over hundreds of years after they had deprived from it, during the past three years, extending greetings to the Syrian people on the occasion of Virgin Mary Feast which falls August 15.
In turn, the governor of Homs Talal al-Barazi conveyed his congratulations on this precious occasion pointing the return of 40 percent of the services to the old neighborhoods of Homs, coupled with continued efforts to provide all citizens needs.
He indicated that the next school year will witness the re-opening of several schools in old Homs, after they have been restored and maintained, stressing that Homs has returned to normal, thanks to the steadfastness of its people and sacrifices of the martyrs of the Syrian Army.
Patriarch Yazigi: Appealing to God protect Syria, returning of tranquility to all our hearts
Meantime, Patriarch John X Yazigi Patriarch of Antioch and All the East for Greek Orthodox church appealed to God to “protect Syria and its people, army and leader and return of security and peace of mind to all our hearts.”
Patriarch Yazigi added while presiding yesterday over a Mass on the occasion of Virgin Mary Assumption in Prophet Elie al-Ghayour church in Hawash village in the in Wadi al-Nadara of rural Homs, “We, people of this land of civilization, learning and light, Muslims and Christians pray to God that gives us the courage to witness for peace and truth, not anything else. “
Patriarch Yazigi started a pastoral visit last Saturday that will continue until September 2nd covering the monastery of Saint George Humeraa, meeting with the parish of Kafra, Mzeina, Anaz, Marmarita, Nasera, visis the monastery of Mar Doumit Mqabrat, Safita and Al-Kafroun and Machta el-Holo and al- Sayeh Mount, where he will hold several divine Masses and prayers of thanksgiving, inaugurating of St. John the Baptist shrine in Hab Nimra and laying the foundation stone for al-Hoson Patriarchal hospital.
Virgin Mary Eid prayers in the “Olive” Church in Damascus
The Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East for Melkite Catholics held prayers on the occasion of Virgin Mary Day in Damascus “Olive” Church, presided over by Patriarch Gregory III Laham, followed by a celebration on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the restoration of the Church of Olive, which was set in fire during the sedition events in 1860 and the ill-fated events that have passed on Damascus at the time, renewed in 1865 during the reign of Patriarch Gregory Joseph Thior of Damascus.
Patriarch Laham calls on Christians in the Middle East to cling to their land, fortify the internal front against Takfirism
Patriarch of Antioch and All the East for Melkite church Gregory III Laham called on all Christians in the Middle East to cling to their land “in order to stay with their Muslim brothers in this blessed country” and fortify the internal front and stand against Takfirism which violates the Syrian and Arab heritage.
“On August 19, a delegation of easterner Patriarchs will head to Iraq in solidarity with our people there, who are threatened by Takfiri incitements especially in Mosul, Nineweh Plain and Erbil,” the patriarch said, noting the great danger that threatens communities that have lived for extended periods in harmony as the situation today with Christians and Yazidis.
He added he will pay a visit in September to the United States in order to convey the voice and message of Christians of the Orient to the whole world to that they will not leave their land, the cradle of religions and civilizations, expressing gratitude for the Patriarchs of all denominations for their efforts and role in enhancing communications and Christian-Muslim dialogue and the awakening of world conscience.
T. Fateh