Christians in Syria Celebrate New Year.. Patriarch Yazigi: “We Pray for a United Syria”

DAMASCUS, (ST)- Christians in Syria on Tuesday held masses and prayers in celebration of the New Year.

The Mariamite Cathedral for the Greek Orthodox in Damascus held a mass presided over by Patriach Youhanna X Yazigi of Antioch and All East for the Greek Orthodox.

“We pray for a united Syria and for the logic and reconciliation to prevail among the Syrians. It is time for the voice of peace to overcome the noise of war and for the language of wisdom replacre the language of interests,” Patriarch Yazeji said, stressing his confidence that the Syrians will raise from the ashes of the crisis to continue living.”

He called on all international parties to respect international charters as regards preserving Syria’s sovereignty and its recognized borders. He also urged western countries to lift the economic siege imposed on Syria and which is squeezing the Syrians by affecting their living and leading many of them to immigrate.

The patriarch added that “we also pary for the release of the two kidnapped Aleppo archbishops Youhanna Ibrahim and Boulos Yazigi whose cause is a shame on the international community.

Granf Mufti: Syria is the land of peace

Meantime, masses and prayers were also held in several chrches in the city of Aleppo. Prayers called for restoring peace and stability to Syria and for the elimination of terrorism.

One of these masses was attended by Syria’s Grand Mufti Ahmad Baddreddin Hassoun as well as some Islamic scholars.

Hassoun said that Syria is the land of peace and the Syrians have kept steadfast and united supporting their army and leadership in the confrontation of the terrorist war hatched against their country.

“Syria is fighting terrorism on behalf of the entire world and its victory over terrorism is a victory for peace,” he added, hailing the great sacrifices offered by the Syrians in defense of their homeland.

He pointed out that the foreign-backed terrorists have destroyed many churches, mosques and hospitals in Syria, stressing the the crimes of the terrorists who came to Syria from all over the world will backfire on the countries which supported terrorism.

Hamda Mustafa