Syrian Orthodox patriarch's historic visit to the Holy Land
Publication Date: 9/5/2023
Source: Christian Media Centre
Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Syrian Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, made a historic visit to the Holy Land last May 4-9. It has been 58 years since the last time a Syrian Orthodox patriarch was allowed to enter the Holy Places. The patriarch was received by delegations of leaders and representatives of the various churches, and by the chairman of the Palestinian Higher Presidential Commission for Ecclesiastical Affairs, representing the Palestinian president.
On May 4, in Jerusalem, the Patriarch's procession made its way to the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher for the official entrance.
H B MOR IGNATIUS APHREM II
Syrian Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and all the East
Our roots are in this land. My presence here today is the fulfillment of a wish, and it is part of my duty to visit the Church and our "children," isolated from the rest of the children of the Church because of politics. This visit was also organized on a very important occasion: the installation of Bishop Mor Anthimos Jack Yakoub as Patriarchal Vicar for Jerusalem, Jordan and the Holy Land.
The Syrian Orthodox Church has a long and rich history in the Holy Land. Syriacs have preserved their traditions and culture, and manifested their faith and hope with a solemn reception by Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II in Bethlehem on May 7.
Nine scout groups opened the patriarch's procession, which traveled through the city streets to the Nativity Square. Here, the patriarch was welcomed by the Palestinian prime minister, the city's religious and civil authorities and a crowd of worshippers.
MOHAMMAD SHTAYYEH
Palestinian prime minister
This visit is blessed, and for us it is a historic visit, peace be upon him. As Our Lord said, man does not live by bread alone, and the Palestinian man seeks dignity and self-worth. From Jesus we also learned that we are the salt of the earth, and we will not let salt become bland, because if salt loses its taste, with what is it going to make it salty? We are also waiting for the visit of the Coptic Patriarch so that the scenario is complete.
Christians throughout the Middle East have faced great hardship in recent years: violence, persecution and displacement, their churches have been destroyed and their homes burned, as in Iraq, with the rise of Isis.
H B MOR IGNATIUS APHREM II
Syrian Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and all the East
Christianity is going through one of the most difficult times in modern history, and in this region in particular. I think of what has happened since the beginning of the so-called "Arab Spring," in Iraq with the emigration of more than 90 percent of Iraqi Christians. This applies to our Church as well, since more than 90 percent of Syriacs have fled Iraq, a hard blow. Then there has been a new displacement of Christians, particularly in Syria, where two bishops have been kidnapped, which has been followed by the mass emigration of Christians, because the Christian presence seems to be a stumbling block for someone to carry out some of the plans in the Region.
H B MOR IGNATIUS APHREM II
Syrian Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and all the East
It is a grave sin to empty this land of Christians, especially here in Palestine, in Bethlehem, in Jerusalem, in the Holy Land. It is impossible to imagine the Holy Land without Christians, and the same goes for Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, all these areas where Christianity was born. Our mandate and our mission is to maintain our presence here. Our visit is not just for stones, but for human beings, to bring together believers who protect our rights and sacred places. God bless you.
