Patriarchal Visit to Qaryaten after its Liberation from ISIS
Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate – April 2016
After the liberation of Al-Qaryaten from ISIS, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II headed to visit the town. He was accompanied by His Eminence Mor Selwanos Boutros Al-Nehmeh, Archbishop of Homs, Hama and Environs, Very Rev. Raban Barsom Kassab, Priest of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Qarayten, and Very Rev. Raban Joseph Bali, Patriarchal Secretary and Media Office Director.
His Holiness first met the Governor of Homs Mr. Talal Al-Barazi in Sadad and headed to visit the Syriac Catholic Monastery of Mor Elian (Julian) which was destroyed by ISIS. The church of the monastery was burnt and its altar completely destroyed. His Holiness then visited the Syriac Orthodox Church of Mor Elian (Julian) which was also completely destroyed, and its roof was brought down.
His Holiness said that the battle of the Syrian people is against international terrorism which aims at destroying the country. He added that even though they will try to destroy Syria, we will rebuild it: we do not believe in death, we believe in life and peace.
