Archbishop Eustathius Matta Roham on the Situation in Syria (Exclusive)

OCP News Service (Exclusive)
23/11/2012

Archbishop Eustathius Matta Roham of Jazirah & Euphrates of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch and All East spoke to OCP News Service on the present situation in Syria, particularly in Kamishly and Hassake.

The conterminous conflict in Syria has caused division among communities in many places, and destruction to many urban areas. On the other hand, it created solidarity among the majority of people to refuse the concept of fighting and to take care of the suffering families. It is hard to believe that some images of destruction in our country are similar to those images of devastation in World WAR I & II. It will take us many years to rebuild both souls and stones in our country. I pray that justice and peace will prevail at the end of this chaos situation.

The current circumstances in my Archdiocese are very hazy. People have a lot of fears, especially in Kamishly and Hassake. There are more than 400,000 inhabitants living in each of these two large towns. The percentage of Christians in each one is about 20%. Thousands of families moved into Kamishly and Hassake after leaving their ruined homes in other parts of the country. These two towns have become a safe haven for thousands of displaced families. If one day, God forbid, these two towns are destroyed, there will be a real big disaster for thousands of families.

I kindly and urgently ask your efforts to convey our call to the international bodies and officials that this region may remain a safe haven for all, in order to save the lives of thousands of families, and our towns from a definite destruction.

I am full of trust that the Lord will bless your work, and our people will enjoy fruits of your peaceful efforts. We pray for God’s wisdom to lead all parties towards a peaceful solution in Syria.

The Archbishop also thanked Orthodoxy Cognate PAGE for the continued support to Christians in Syria and near by regions. In the email addressed to OCP Secretary George Alexander Archbishop wrote “Thank you very much for your supporting email. Your spiritual words bring to our hearts a great comfort, trust and hope. They echo the encouraging words of St. Paul to the Romans:“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”.(Romans 15:13).”

Source:

OCP News Service