Antiochian hierarch: We continue our ministry in Aleppo despite threats
Metropolitan Ephraim. Photo: Hellas Journal
Metropolitan Ephraim (Maalouli) of Aleppo and Iskenderun, a hierarch of the Antiochian Orthodox Church – the largest Christian community in Syria –delivered a pastoral message to his flock in Aleppo:
“...our beloved children in Aleppo, we remain here, in Aleppo, with our flock in all circumstances – from the most difficult to the most joyful. This is our pastoral ministry, and we will steadfastly continue to fulfill it. In times of need, we will be your support, so do not hesitate to reach out to us directly.
We assure you that prayers in our churches will continue as circumstances and available means allow. In prayer, dear ones, we cast our burdens upon God and trust in Him. Therefore, I urge you: pray without ceasing! Let us patiently follow Christ's path to the cross, until we rise with Him in His Resurrection! May the intercession of St. Simeon the Stylite, the patron of the Aleppo Diocese, be with you always!”
Metropolitan Ephraim assumed leadership of the Aleppo Metropolis on December 17, 2021, following the kidnapping and martyrdom of his predecessor, Metropolitan Paul (Yazigi), who was murdered by Islamists in 2016.
On December 1, 2024, reports indicated that terrorists attacking Aleppo are planning to locate and behead Metropolitan Ephraim.
Read also
TRC officers mobilize rector of UOC parish in Radisne
Archpriest Mykhailo Bilokin was detained on his way to a service in the Kamianske Eparchy, and his current whereabouts are unknown.
Metropolitan Onuphry consecrates Annunciation Church in Bukovyna village of Ostrytsia
Thousands of faithful from the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy of the UOC gathered for the service in the newly consecrated Church of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos.
U.S. delegation visits St. Sophia of Kyiv ahead of peace talks
Zelensky took the U.S. negotiators to St. Sophia of Kyiv.
Rescuers urge Hasidic pilgrims in Uman not to perform rituals in local quarry
The State Emergency Service warned Hasidic pilgrims in Uman about the dangers of ritual immersion in a flooded quarry that is not equipped for swimming.
UOC Social Department provides food packages to 100 displaced families
In Kyiv, 100 internally displaced families received food and essential supplies from the UOC Social Department.
Third Armenian judge refuses to hear case against Catholicos
A third judge has refused to hear the case against the head of the Armenian Church and six bishops, with the case materials sent to the Court of Cassation.