Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II receives Delegation from the Center of Constancy – Nationalists in Defense of Christian Presence in the East

Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch and All East – September 2014

Damascus: On September 2, 2014, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II received a delegation from the Center of Constancy – Nationalists in Defense of Christian Presence in the East, at the patriarchal headquarters in Damascus. His Eminence Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Patriarchal Secretary, was also present.

At first, His Holiness listened to an exposition of the projects of the Center of Constancy in defense of the Christian presence in the East. The members of the delegation stressed the fact that Christians are an essential constituent of all countries of the Middle East and that the center is seeking to help ceatre conditions that will secure the existence of the Christian presence in the East.

In turn, His Holiness Patriarch Aphrem II pointed out that the current events in the countries of the Middle East are affecting all citizens alike. He emphasized that religious fanaticism and the ideology of expiating others are two main factors that contribute to the immigration of Christians from the area. He also remarked that the return of the Christians in the diaspora is becoming very difficult because the current situation refuses to implement changes that improve the quality of life for Christians in the East.

At the end of the meeting, His Holiness congratulated the members of the delegation on the practical steps they intend to take, such as documenting the historical Christian presence in the East and launching a special documentary on such issues.

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