Christian Denominations in Syria Celebrate Christmas, Pray for Peace in the Country

DAMASCUS- Christian denominations in Syria are celebrating on Monday the Christmas, annual festivity commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, the prophet of peace and amity, through holding masses and prayers at the churches and the worship places all over Syria, SANA reported.

In Damascus, the St. George Syrian Orthodox Church held a mass presided over by Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II of Antioch and All the East, Supreme Head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church. The patriarch talked about the sublime meaning of Christmas and prayed for peace in Syria.

 Masses and prayers held across the country all called for enhancing the values of tolerance, amity and coexistence and hoped that security will be restored to Syria and peace and happiness will prevail in the country again soon.  

On his Christmas message published on December23 on his facebook page, Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II said:  “This year, Christmas comes while wars are invading our countries, people are fighting over power, and great powers are seeking to control the wealth of the world and peoples’ natural resources.

 In Syria, the conflict has been going on for many years because of the greed of countries that finance and arm terrorist groups that reject and try to destroy all those who have different beliefs or opinions. The decision of the president of the United States of America concerning Jerusalem escalated troubles and increased violence in the region. Jerusalem is central for Christians as well as Muslims and Jews; it should remain open to all and its final status should be decided according to the UN resolutions.

 At this time, when we celebrate the reconciliation between heaven and earth, we urge all those in power to work for peace in our countries, namely Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Egypt, and to do their best to stop violence, killing, and destruction, so that complete reconciliation may be realized between all the components of each society. When our world is free of violence, we are brought closer to justice and peace which enable further human progress and development of civilization.”

 Hamda Mustafa