Syrians Steadfastness against Terrorism, Extremist and Takfiri Thinking Underscored

 DAMASCUS, (ST)_ The Syrians commitment to their homeland and principles is one of the most important factors for their steadfastness against terrorism, extremist and takfiri thinking, underscored H.E. President Bashar Al-Assad.

Receiving His Holiness Mor Ignatius Aphrem II Karim, Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All East, Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and the accompanying Synod of Patriarchate delegation, H. E. President Al-Assad pointed out that the ongoing terrorist aggression against our region is based on an extremist takfiri thinking targeting the rich varied social and cultural component in the region in general and in Syria in particular.

All the components of the Syrian People have made a success in encountering such extremist and takfiri thinking, President Al-Assad added, asserting the dire need as to stand up against such thinking, which acknowledges neither nationalities, borders nor respects for the moral values, called for by all monotheist religions.

Mor Ignatius Aphrem II Karim, the Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All East, Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, pointed out that the convening of the Synod of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church in the Syrian City of Saidnaya at this very timing is an expression of the participants’ support to the Syrian People against what they have been exposed to and a call by all the participants on the world as to work for restoring peace and security to Syria.  

The Synod of Patriarchate delegation members reiterated that Syria has been and would ever remain the homeland for all Syrians with all their beliefs and the shelter for every believer in the sublime human values, though of the fierce terrorist war against it.

The members, from Syria, Iraq, Turkey, Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, India, Brazil and Guatemala, voiced their strong belief that the Syrian People would through their steadfastness, Army, sacrifices as well as through the wisdom and courage of the Leadership of President Al-Assad would defeat terrorism and realize victory.

On April 2, 2014, President Al-Assad stressed the important role played by  the patriarchate of Antioch and All East in promoting amity and fraternity among people to face the danger of the takfiri thinking of which all people of the region and the entire world are suffering.

President Al-Assad met with His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II Karim who then was newly elected as the Patriarch of Antioch and All East and the Supreme Head of the World Syriac Orthodox Church.His Excellency President Al-Assad congratulated Patriarch Karim on the new post, wishing him good luck and success.

Patriarch Karim, for his part, said that security and peace will hopefully prevail soon in Syria, where national unity among the people is a brilliant example to follow.

 Mor Ignatius Aphrem II Karim affirmed the Syriac Orthodox Church’s support for the Syrian people’s struggle to uproot terrorism and their right to determine their future away from any kind of foreign interference or dictates.

 Patriarch Karim was elected April, 2014 as the Patriarch of Antioch and All East and as the Supreme Head of the World Syriac Orthodox Church. 

Born and grown up in the Syrian city of al-Qamishli of Hasaka province in 1965, Patriarch Karim served as the archbishop of the Syriac Orthodox in the East of the USA.

Dr. Mohammad Abdo Al-Ibrahim              

alibrahim56@hotmail.com