The leaders of the Catholic and Orthodox Churches
opened their respective synods today in Beirut to discuss the grave situation facing
Syria's Christian communities, caught between warring Shias and Sunnis, whose
conflict has now spilled over into neighbouring Lebanon. The Greek Orthodox synod is being held in Balamand Monastery. That of the Melkite Catholic Church is underway in Ain Trez Convent, in Aley District.
Kicking off their respective meetings, Catholic and Orthodox prelates made a joint appeal for the unity of all Christians, praying for the liberation of Mgrs Youhanna Ibrahim and Boulos Yazigi, the two bishops abducted on 22 April on the outskirts of Aleppo.
"We are not afraid. We are living through difficult, tough conditions in the region, this is the truth that no one can ignore," said Mgr John X Yazigi, Greek orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and brother of Mgr Bouls Yazigi, in an interview with Lebanese newspaper Daily Star just before the start of the Synod Assembly. "We are children of faith and courage; we cling to the land where we live, and we carry the message [of God] in our hearts, and we will continue to do so bravely and without fear."
The bishop explained that his brother was still alive and held in Turkey, but that he had not so far had any direct contact with the kidnappers.
From Ain Trez, home of the Melkite Catholic Church, Gregory III Laham, patriarch of Antioch, slammed the decision by the United States and some other European countries to send weapons to the rebels. Because of this move, the population "will face more problems" than in the past.
According to the prelate, the position of Western countries is incomprehensible. "It's as if the world is no longer able to understand anything save the language of arms, war, destruction, violence and terrorism."
Weapons, he added, only "fuel the violence and hatred, and lead to more killing, destruction, displacement and more suffering-economically, socially, health-wise-for families, young people, students and workers".
For this reason, Laham appealed to the international community for an immediate cessation of all arms transfers, and for the world's major powers to work together towards a political solution rather than contributing to the "division" of the Arab world along political, social, religious and tribal lines.
Speaking to his bishops, the patriarch outlined the Church's plan to create a central "solidarity committee" in Syria to coordinate and carry out relief work, as well as monitor congregations and register damaged or destroyed churches.
He also proposed the establishment of subcommittees in Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait and other Arab and European countries to support the central committee in its work.
"We hope that our brother bishops will help us in this endeavour ... and in so doing, we hope to be prepared, practically, to face the challenges of the future which require our presence and guidance as Christians," Laham said.
For Gregory, "Solidarity springs from the faith that we are one Church, one body, one Christian family, one nation, and this faith translates into good works and especially into proactive love toward those in need, and the one in need is the child of the church."
"This," he insisted, "is the true political action and the sacred duty which we must fulfill with daring, zeal, love, dedication, sincerity, and worthiness."