The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East has called on Syrian authorities to take action following an overnight attack on March 27–28 in the city of Al-Suqaylabiyah, in Syria’s western Hama region.
Attack in Al-Suqaylabiyah
The city was subjected to attacks and intimidation from surrounding areas, including acts of violence and vandalism targeting property. Gunfire was also directed at St. Mary’s Church in the locality.
The incident triggered public reactions and protests that spread as far as Damascus, continuing late into the night in front of the Patriarchate’s headquarters.
Patriarchate Condemns Incidents
In an official statement, the Patriarchate of Antioch strongly condemned the events and expressed concern over incidents affecting the Christian community.
It called for the launch of an official investigation to hold those responsible accountable and requested that the findings be communicated directly to the Church.
The Antiochian Orthodox Church also urged the implementation of measures to prevent similar incidents, stressing that the state must assume full responsibility for maintaining civil peace, including controlling unauthorised weapons.
The Patriarchate further acknowledged the commitment of believers to coexistence among the Syrian people in all their diversity—Muslim and Christian alike—emphasising that Syrian dignity and society are founded on citizenship and integration, not on a majority–minority logic.
Meeting of Syrian Patriarchs
In a gesture of Christian solidarity, Syriac Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II and Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch Youssef Absi met last Sunday with Greek Orthodox Patriarch John X of Antioch to discuss recent developments, including the events in Al-Suqaylabiyah and the broader situation in Syria.
The patriarchs addressed, “with deep concern and a sense of responsibility,” the challenges facing Syria, particularly regarding peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians.
According to a statement from the Patriarchate of Antioch, the religious leaders stressed the urgent need to safeguard the dignity of all citizens without exception.
They concluded their meeting with a prayer for peace in Syria, Lebanon and the wider world.
Photo: Antioch Patriarchate
