Prayers and appeals for a peaceful transition in Syria marked a solemn Mass presided over by Syrian Catholic Patriarch Ignace Joussif III Younan on Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Shrine of Saints Behnam and Sarah in Lebanon.
The Patriarch’s homily reflected on Syria’s ongoing turmoil and its devastating impacts, while urging for peace and stability in the nation, according to a report by Vatican’s Fides News Agency.
In his address, Patriarch Younan described the prolonged conflict in Syria as “this wave of revolution against the government and the regime, which has been going on for many years” and which has escalated into “a terrible war, whose security and economic impacts have been terrible for everyone.”
The Patriarch, a native of Lebanon, emphasized his commitment to the Church’s role during this critical time.
“In recent days,” he shared, “I have been in contact with the bishops of Aleppo, Homs, Damascus and Qamishli to obtain information and to assure them of my closeness in prayer and in asking for the peace that we all need.”
Meanwhile, the Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate, led by Patriarch Mor Ignatios Aphrem II, issued a statement calling for wisdom and unity during this period of uncertainty.
The statement appealed for “divine wisdom” to inspire resilience and devotion to Syria, while reaffirming the Church’s mission to “spread the values of justice, peace and harmony among all citizens” in recognition of Syria’s rich cultural heritage.
The Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate urged citizens to refrain from violence and to protect the country’s heritage during this transition.
“We call on everyone,” the communiqué stated, “to play their national role in preserving public and private property and to avoid the use of weapons and the exercise of violence against others.”
The bishops also advocated for equality among all Syrians, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation, emphasizing “a citizenship that must guarantee the dignity of every citizen.”
Amid these calls for peace, public reactions in parts of Syria reflected hope for change. According to SiriacPress, dozens of activists from Christian-led political parties marched in the cities of Qamishli and Hassakè in northeastern Syria.
The demonstrators celebrated the end of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, chanting slogans in support of a “new beginning” for Syria.
