Hazim stresses importance of Orthodox Antioch Unity

The Daily Star 28/10/2011 BEIRUT: Greek Orthodox Patriarch Ignatius IV Hazim stressed Thursday the significance of unity of the Orthodox Antioch Church in Lebanon, Syria, the Levant and the diaspora in order to confront challenges facing the community. Speaking at the Orthodox Antioch Conclave which he chaired at the patriarchate’s headquarters in Balamand, north Lebanon, Hazim said priority should be given to efforts for providing clear answers to church members who, along with their countrymen, are facing “several problems and challenges.” “The church cannot stand helplessly by amid the oppression and discrimination from which the peoples and groups are suffering,” Hazim said. The conclave was held against the backdrop of “delicate circumstances through which the countries of the Antioch seat and Arab Orient countries are experiencing, particularly Syria and Lebanon, where the Orthodox are the largest in number among Christians,” according to a statement