Opening of the Conference “Christianity in the Middle East: Challenges and the Future”

Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate – 21/10/17

His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II attended the opening of the Conference “Christianity in the Middle East: Challenges and the Future” which is held in Berlin.

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of Saint Mark Episcopate for the Coptic Orthodox Church, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and Catholicose Mor Baselios Marthoma Paulose II, Catholicose of the Indian Orthodox Church along with representative of several churches also attended the opening.

In his word, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II spoke about the long history of persecution of Christians. He emphasized the fact that Christians “ended up paying the highest price because they are peace-loving people who are commanded to love their enemies, reject violence and embrace peace at all times”. He added that “a political solution for the conflicts in the Middle East ought to be the prime concern of the International Community” and that “Islamic leaders, both Sunni and Shiite ought to encourage moderate Islam, educate Muslim scholars, and issue Fatwas that condemn the attacks on Christians and ethno-religious persecution”.

His Holiness was accompanied by their Eminences Mor Philoxenus Mattias Nayis, Patriarchal Vicar in Germany, Mor Julius Hanna Aydin Director of Foreign Affairs in the Diocese of Germany, and Very Rev. Raban Joseph Bali, Patriarchal Secretary and Media Office Director.

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