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
Myltsi Monastery shows pictures of shrine's revival from ruins
Archive footage of the St. Nicholas Monastery in Myltsi dated 1994 and modern photos of the revived monastery have been published online.
Embassy of Ukraine holds "prayer for Ukraine" at Weiling Wall in Jerusalem
The Ukrainian Embassy performed a ceremony at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.
Founder of children's shelter in Athens asks for help to avoid prison
The Athens Court of Appeals sentenced the head of the Greek foundation to 9.5 years in prison with the right of redemption.
In Butove, OCU supporters hold meeting on UOC parish "transfer"
In the House of Culture, residents of the village of Butove, Rivne region, decided the fate of St. John's Church of the UOC.
His Beatitude reads first part of Great Penitential Canon at Lavra
Metropolitan Onuphry led the Great Compline at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, with the reading of the Great Penitential Canon of St. Andrew of Crete.
Orthodox youth meetings held in deaneries of UOC's Rivne Eparchy
Spiritual and educational events ahead of Great Lent were held in the deaneries of the Rivne Eparchy with the participation of clergy and Orthodox youth.