Christian leaders, including Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II, meet UN envoy Geir Pedersen in Damascus, Syria, on Syria’s future

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch hosted a significant meeting that brought together Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East of the Greek Orthodox Church, Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II of Antioch and All the East of the Syriac Orthodox Church, and Patriarch Joseph I of Antioch and All the East of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church. Cardinal Mario Zenari, Apostolic Nuncio to Syria, also attended, along with numerous Christian leaders, bishops and monastic representatives from Damascus and its surroundings. The gathering aimed to address Syria’s current challenges and to explore ways of providing hope and resilience to its people.

Participants focused on the need for national unity, mutual support and a collective Christian witness in Syrian society and in the global arena. They stressed collaboration and formed a joint committee to address emerging needs and to coordinate efforts for the nation’s stability and prosperity, a step taken in keeping with the call to unity (Psalm 133:1).

United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen also took part. Patriarch John X welcomed him and reaffirmed Syria’s identity as a land of national partnership and equality, rejecting divisions based on majority or minority status. He said that all Syrians share a common destiny rooted in a shared history of triumphs and challenges. “Christians are not guests in their homeland but an essential and integral part of Syria’s social fabric,” he said.

The Patriarch called for a democratic and inclusive constitution that would guarantee equal participation for all citizens, respect religious freedoms and uphold civil liberties while maintaining the secular nature of the state. He said such a constitution should reflect the hopes of the Syrian people for a just and peaceful future.

Pedersen expressed gratitude for meeting Syria’s Christian leaders and said that Syria belongs to all its citizens. “Christians are not visitors but rightful citizens with equal rights and duties,” he said. He described the beginning of a new chapter for Syria, acknowledging the challenges ahead while emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation.

He reiterated the international community’s support for Syria’s recovery, guided by the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which outlines a roadmap for peace. Pedersen said Syrians must lead the transitional process, with international backing for constitutional reform, the lifting of economic sanctions and efforts to facilitate reconstruction. “Today’s meeting sends a powerful message in the right direction,” he said.

The meeting concluded with a prayer invoking God to heal the pain and despair of the Syrian people, to inspire love and unity, and to strengthen efforts to rebuild the nation. The leaders expressed hope for a future in which Syria’s rich diversity and shared history would serve as a foundation for peace, justice and prosperity.

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