Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II visits Amuda, calls for preserving fraternity, coexistence

On the morning of his visit, the Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II —Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church worldwide—visited Saint Elias Church in Amuda, Rojava, amid tight security measures.

The visit included an official reception, featuring musical performances by the Fourth Scout Troop.

In a speech delivered inside the church, the Patriarch expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome, praising the hospitality of the city’s residents from all components—Kurds, Syriacs, and Arabs—as well as Muslims, Christians, and Yazidis. He affirmed that “Amuda represents a model of coexistence and love.”

He noted that the city has witnessed notable development and has become akin to a fully integrated urban center, urging the preservation of the spirit of fraternity and civil peace.

He stressed the need to spare the region from conflicts and disputes, emphasizing that “Syria is a homeland for all its people, regardless of ethnicity or religion, and the responsibility to preserve and develop it lies with all.”

The Patriarch also highlighted the importance of cooperation among community components to confront challenges, noting that the people of the city are accustomed to resolving their issues collectively, with a shared vision for their future.

During the visit, he met with a number of community leaders and representatives, listening to their concerns and aspirations.

He also met with several families of fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces detained by the Syrian Interim Government, including the families of Siamand Ali Tatar, Ismail Obeid Daqouri, Fayez Abdi, and Mohammed Abdul Salam Al-Waji.

The Patriarch stressed that he would seek to convey their voices and work as much as possible to help secure the release of their sons, stating: “The martyrs from all components are martyrs of the homeland, and the detainees are our brothers.”

Saint Elias Church is considered one of the most prominent religious landmarks in Amuda, having been built in 1927.

The Patriarch is also expected to visit the city of al-Darbasiyah later today, as part of a series of visits to the region.

A-H 

ANHA