Avram Maalouli appointed Metropolitan of the Diocese of Aleppo and Alexandretta for Greek Orthodox

Bishop Avram Maalouli was appointed as the Metropolitan of the Diocese of Aleppo and Alexandretta for the Greek Orthodox succeeding Archbishop Paul Yazigi who was kidnapped by terrorist groups in Aleppo in 2013.

The inauguration ceremony was held on Friday at the Cathedral of Elijah the Prophet in Aleppo and was presided over by Patriarch Youhanna X Yazigi of Antioch and All East for The Greek Orthodox.

In a speech, Patriarch Yazigi said that this event is a source of great joy for Syria, Aleppo and the Antioch Church following years of pain and sadness over the kidnapping of the former Archbishop Paul Yazigi. He pointed out that the appointment of Archbishop Maalouli comes as reconstruction in Aleppo continues after its victory over terrorism.

On his part, Maalouli vowed to work hard for development in Aleppo and Syria in general, calling for joining efforts to rebuild the country.

Other speeches called for enhancing human and moral values as well as cooperation for building a good society based on knowledge, tolerance and collective responsibility.  

The ceremony was attended by heads of Christian denominations in Syria and Lebanon and a number of Islamic scholars, in addition to some officials and MPs.

Hamda Mustafa