Phanar expresses support for Antiochian Patriarchate over killings in Syria
Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: OCU's website
March 12, 2025 – The Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, chaired by Patriarch Bartholomew, has sent an official letter to Patriarch John of Antioch, expressing fraternal support and solidarity in response to the tragic violence in Syria, according to the Phanar’s website.
The letter was sent in response to a joint appeal from the Patriarch of Antioch and two other Christian leaders in Syria, calling for an immediate end to violence against civilians.
“The grievous loss of human lives, brutality, and violent persecution of the Christian population, as well as other religious and ethnic minorities, illustrate the dead end into which people and nations fall when peace and justice do not prevail,” Patriarch Bartholomew stated in the message.
He called on clergy and laity in all dioceses of the Patriarchate of Constantinople worldwide to intensify their prayers for the protection of Christians and civilians in Syria. The letter also expressed hope that the Islamist authorities in Syria would take “decisive measures to prevent further bloodshed and ensure the safety of all religious and ethnic communities in the country.”
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Islamist militants in Syria had killed a large number of civilians.
Read also
Greece signs memorandum on protection of Jerusalem Patriarchate's shrines
Next week, the Greek Parliament will ratify a document on the protection of the cultural heritage of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.
Greek bishop calls imposition of same-sex marriage a threat
Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythera urged families to become a “domestic church” amid threats to the Christian family in Greek laws and school curricula.
Patriarch Bartholomew arrives in Budapest for opening of Orthodox center
The Ecumenical Patriarch has arrived in Hungary, where he will preside over the consecration of the Orthodox center "Phanarion."
OCU raiders stage attack on seized church in Kyiv, media
OCU "hierarch" Serhiy Horobtsov published a provocative post online regarding St. John's Church in Bykivnia seized by his people.