Phanar expresses support for Antiochian Patriarchate over killings in Syria

Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: OCU's website

March 12, 2025 – The Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, chaired by Patriarch Bartholomew, has sent an official letter to Patriarch John of Antioch, expressing fraternal support and solidarity in response to the tragic violence in Syria, according to the Phanar’s website.

The letter was sent in response to a joint appeal from the Patriarch of Antioch and two other Christian leaders in Syria, calling for an immediate end to violence against civilians.

“The grievous loss of human lives, brutality, and violent persecution of the Christian population, as well as other religious and ethnic minorities, illustrate the dead end into which people and nations fall when peace and justice do not prevail,” Patriarch Bartholomew stated in the message.

He called on clergy and laity in all dioceses of the Patriarchate of Constantinople worldwide to intensify their prayers for the protection of Christians and civilians in Syria. The letter also expressed hope that the Islamist authorities in Syria would take “decisive measures to prevent further bloodshed and ensure the safety of all religious and ethnic communities in the country.”

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Islamist militants in Syria had killed a large number of civilians.

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