Damascus, December 29, 2024

The NCC joins in the prayers of our Christian brothers and sisters—as well as the prayers of all people of goodwill—in Syria for a peaceful future as the country seeks its path forward in the midst of political change.  

Below is a pastoral letter from the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Syria, as Syrian society charts a course through this period.

At this historic moment, as Syria is undergoing a new transition, we, the heads of the Christian Churches in Syria, address the public with a message of love and hope. This message springs from our sense of responsibility and our deep faith in the mission of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who blessed the peacemakers and called them children of God (Matthew 5:9). During this Holy Nativity season, Christ calls us to be messengers of peace on earth.

Today, we stand on the threshold of a new era that requires all of us to have humility, courage, and determination to build the Syria of the future. This new phase calls for a commitment to a culture of dialogue and openness to others. It demands wisdom, deliberation, and foresight as well as the ability to avoid getting caught up in pointless disputes, populism, or isolation.

As Christians, we have a vital and pivotal role to play in this phase by cooperating with everyone to advance and rebuild this homeland.

We recognize that our spiritual, moral, and national responsibility compels us to always raise the voice of truth, defend human dignity under all circumstances, and strongly strive to support the path of democracy, freedom, independence, and peace, which ensures the rights and dignity of all Syrians.

Our message today is based on four key axes:

Reconciliation,

Appeal to the World to Lift External Economic Sanctions,

Partnership,

Hope.

A Call to Commitment and Action

We, the heads of Christian Churches present in Syria for nearly two millennia, call upon all Syrians, at home and abroad, to work hand in hand to realize this vision and bring it to life. We also urge our Christian faithful not to retreat into isolation or fear but to engage actively in the public sphere, moved by the spirit of the Gospel, so they may be partners in building a new Syria. We also appeal to the international community to stand with the Syrians in rebuilding their homeland within its internationally recognized borders, to prevent any external violations on national sovereignty, and to lift the sanctions imposed on them so that they may freely and independently rebuild their country and its people.

We believe that God, Who brought us together in this land, from which civilizations and faith-based messages originated, will bless our efforts and guide us on the path to peace. Let us lift up our hearts and hands to Him, reconcile with one another, and seek from Him strength and wisdom to move forward. Let us be peacemakers, carrying the hope of Christ and remaining faithful to His message of reconciliation, fraternal love, and peace on earth.

JOHN X

Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East

MOR IGNATIUS APHREM II

Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church

YOUSSEF I ABSI

Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and All the East