There were attacks on a Christian community in Syria yesterday, Friday, with the Patriarchate of Antioch calling for an official investigation.
According to the Patriarchate’s statement, the attack on the Christian town of Al-Sukailabiya in central Syria from neighbouring areas resulted in waves of public outrage as far away as Damascus.
In fact, there is talk of acts of violence and vandalism targeting properties and the shrine of the Virgin Mary has come under fire.
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The town of Al-Sukailabiya in Hama province is home to a predominantly Christian population.
The statement of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch:
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“The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East, together with Patriarch John I personally, is following the events that took place yesterday in the town of Al-Sukailabiya in the countryside of Hama.
The town was attacked and intimidated from neighbouring areas, including acts of violence and vandalism targeting properties, and the shrine of the Virgin Mary came under fire.
The attack caused repercussions and waves of public anger that extended into Damascus and continued late last night in front of the Patriarchate headquarters.
The Patriarchate strongly condemns, in the strongest possible terms, what has happened and continues to happen. It denounces and condemns the incidents that affect the Christian community.
These incidents are often justified under the name of “isolated acts”, although this is not necessarily the case.
Calls on the relevant authorities to deal severely with anyone who undermines social peace and not to overlook recurring incidents that are repeatedly described as “isolated acts”, although this is not necessarily the case.
The Patriarchate calls for an official investigation leading to the arrest and prosecution of those involved, and for the Patriarchate to be officially informed of the results of that investigation.
This comes in response to incidents aimed at provoking religious tensions, tensions from which Syria has historically escaped.
It also calls for compensation for those who have suffered property damage.
Also demands that measures be implemented to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, with the State, solely through its official institutions, assuming full responsibility for maintaining social peace, including the control of illicit weapons.
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The Patriarchate expresses its appreciation for the support and solidarity shown by its faithful, as well as their sympathy and commitment to all that affects the Christian presence in Syria.
He also appreciates their interest in the common life of the Syrian people in all its diversity, whether Muslim or Christian.
Affirms that Syrian dignity and Syrian society are based on the principles of nationality and integration among all components, and not on a majority-minority logic.
The Patriarchate affirms, before its Christian faithful spread throughout the world and before everyone, the need to move from words to deeds.
He reiterates, in the words of Patriarch John I: “Enough of the bloodshed in Syria.”
In the midst of all that has happened and continues to unfold, and on the threshold of the Holy Passion of Christ, he prays to the Lord of Peace and the God of all consolation to protect this country.
