Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II Visits King Philip of Belgium

Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate – 9/9/17

His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II met His Majesty King Philip of Belgium at the Royal Palace in Brussels.

His Holiness was accompanied by their Eminences, Mor George Kourieh, Patriarchal Vicar in Belgium, France and Luxemburg, and Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeera and Euphrates, as well as Very Rev. Raban Joseph Bali, Patriarchal Secretary and Media Office Director.

His Majesty welcomed His Holiness and His Majesty discussed the current situation of Christians in the Middle East, especially in Syria and Iraq, and the persecution they endure. His Holiness resented the silence of international powers over the war and the crimes against humanity as well as the inability of the international organizations to provide security and safety. He emphasized the necessity to support a peaceful resolution in Syria and to fight terrorism. His Holiness also urged to intensify the efforts to release the two abducted Archbishops of Aleppo Boulos Yaziji and Mor Gregorius Youhanna Ibrahim.

He thanked His Majesty for his warm welcome and expressed his appreciation for all that Belgium is doing to promote peace in the conflict-torn areas in Syria and the Middle East and in support of the Syrian and Iraqi refugees.

His Majesty spoke about the positive role of the Syriac community and the contribution of its members to the development of the country.

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