Patriarch of Antioch сalls on Syria’s new authorities to stop mass killings

Patriarch John of Antioch. Photo: orthodoxianewsagency

On March 9, 2025, His Beatitude Patriarch John of Antioch called on Syria’s new authorities to stop the mass killings of civilians in the country.

During the Liturgy at the Damascus Cathedral on the Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy, Patriarch John addressed Syria’s new president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, congratulating him on the success of the revolution and his assumption of office.

"You are now the first citizen and president of the country, and we want you to be the leader of a united Syria, embracing all its regions, peoples, cultures, and religious traditions," emphasized the Primate of the Antiochian Church.

Addressing the situation in the country, Patriarch John condemned the mass killings of civilians, stating that the victims of violence included not only members of the former authorities but also innocent people, including women and children.

"The sanctity and dignity of human life have been trampled upon, and the slogans heard today lead to division and societal destabilization. In several cities and villages, homes have been burned, property looted. Alawite and Christian areas have been targeted, and many innocent Christians have been killed," the Patriarch declared.

The Primate of the Antiochian Church called on the new president to immediately put an end to the bloodshed: "We urge you to stop these mass killings and ensure security and stability for all Syrians, regardless of their faith."

Concluding his speech, Patriarch John emphasized the need for national reconciliation and peaceful coexistence in Syria. "Mr. President, we call on you to establish political peace, respect for freedoms, and the creation of a society based on the principle of citizenship – as you have always declared and expressed," he concluded.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Christian denominations in Syria had called for an end to the violence in the country.

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