Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II Receives High Level Delegation from Hezbollah

September 2014

On September 5, 2014, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II received a high level delegation from Hezbollah at the patriarchal residence in Atchaneh, Bikfaya – Lebanon. The delegation included Al-Sayyed Ibrahim Amin Al-Sayed, President of the Political Council in Hezbollah, Mr. Ghaleb Abou Zeynad, Christian Relations Attaché in Hezbollah, and Mr. Ali Al-Hajj Ali, Member of the Political Council in Hezbollah. Their Eminences Archbishops Mor Justinus Boulos Safar, Patriarchal Vicar in Zahleh and Bekaa, and Mor Dionysius Jean Kawak, Patriarchal Office Director attended the meeting along with Mr. Habib Afram, President of the Syriac League.

During the meeting, His Holiness spoke about the recent events in the region, especially the circumstances in which Christians are living in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. His Holiness emphasized that terrorism is an indication of being far away from God. He also informed the members of the delegation of the visits he made to help Christians in Mosul and Syria. He informed them also of his travels and communications with international organizations to support Christians whose existence is threatened in the Middle East. He also notified them that international protection has become necessary since it is a life or death situation. He also highlighted that the church supports the Lebanese army, wishing them success in protecting Lebanon from the advancement of terrorism. In turn, Al-Sayyed Ibrahim Amin Al-Sayyed expressed his disappointment of the persecution of Christians in their homelands in the Middle East. He pointed out that the real targets of these terrorist attacks are moderate Muslims.

He warned that the lack of unity and power in the region will lead to the collapse of the ruling governments. He also notified that religious extremism aims at weakening the role of the religious authorities. At the end of the meeting, His Holiness called for affirming vividly the values of living together and supporting the Christian presence in the Middle East. He said that in this way it is possible to stand against the dangers and threats which are invading the region. He emphasized that Christians are active citizens of the various countries they live in and they have a good relationship of love and friendship with their neighbors.

Source: