; Channel Al-Awla—Damascus—March 8-2025

The patriarchs of Christian churches in Syria issued a joint statement condemning the escalation of severe violence and atrocities in the country in recent days, which have targeted innocent civilians, including women and children, alongside attacks on homes and looting of property. These acts reflect the immense suffering endured by the Syrian people.

The statement, signed by Patriarch John X, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East for the Greek Orthodox Church; Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East for the Syriac Orthodox Church; and Patriarch Joseph Absi, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East for the Melkite Greek Catholic Church, firmly rejected any aggression against civil peace and denounced the massacres targeting civilians. They emphasized the need to put an end to such horrifying acts that are contrary to human and ethical values.

The patriarchs called for the urgent preparation of suitable conditions to achieve national reconciliation among the Syrian people and to establish a state that respects all its citizens, based on the principles of equal citizenship and genuine partnership, far removed from revenge and exclusion. They also stressed the unity of Syrian territories, rejecting any attempts to divide the country.

The statement urged all involved parties within Syria to take responsibility for ending the cycle of violence and pursuing peaceful solutions that preserve human dignity and safeguard national unity.

The patriarchs concluded their statement with prayers for God's protection of Syria and its people and for peace to prevail throughout the nation.