WCC NEWS: Patriarchs condemn attacks in Syria, pray for peace

His Beatitude John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East; His Holiness Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church; and His Beatitude Youssef Absi, Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, condemned attacks on the city of Al-Suqaylabiyah in Hama, Syria—including acts of violence and vandalism. A worshipper lights candles in St. Paul's Melkite Greek Catholic Church in Damascus, Syria. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth 01 April 2026 Convening at the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Damascus, the patriarchs addressed recent developments, with particular attention to the events in Al-Suqaylabiyah in the Hama countryside, the broader national Syrian context, and the situation of Christians across the country.  With deep concern and a sense of responsibility, they addressed the challenges facing Syria that threaten the country's shared coexistence between Muslims and Christians. They emphasized the urgent need to control unregulated weapons and to maintain security and stability. They also stressed the importance of safeguarding the dignity of all citizens without exception.  “This must be grounded in the principles of citizenship, equal rights and duties, and respect for both personal and public freedoms,” the patriarchs stated.  A statement from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East also condemned what has happened and continues to happen. “It denounces and deplores the incidents affecting the Christian community,” reads the statement. “These incidents are often justified by being labeled as ‘individual acts,’ though this is not necessarily the case.” The patriarchate called on the relevant authorities to deal firmly with anyone who undermines civil peace, as well as for “the opening of an official investigation leading to the arrest and prosecution of those involved.” The patriarchate also called for compensation for those who have suffered material damages, as well as for the implementation of measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. “It affirms that Syrian dignity and Syrian society are founded on the principles of citizenship and integration among all components, rather than on a majority–minority logic,” reads the statement.  Statement by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East Damascus See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland