Statement by the church regarding Syria
The Statement in English-Greek- and Arabic issued by the Commission of the Genuine Greek Orthodox Church to Syria.
the Arabic and Greek text in the pdf document
The Statement by the Commission of the Genuine Greek Orthodox Church to Syria.
By virtue of Ecclesiastical Mandate No.3376 dated December 23 (10), 2024, ratified by the Greek government on January 7- 2025,
We issue this statement:
Firstly,
The Church views with grave concern the situation in Syria in general, and the situation of Christians and Orthodox Christians in particular. The Church affirms its rejection of any infringement upon the Orthodox Church and its authentic historical rights rooted in Syria.
Secondly,
The Commission inform that it has received signed and documented petitions from 1,200 Syrian Orthodox families, which have been authenticated by the Holy Synod in Greece, formally requesting assistance in preserving their rights and presence.
These petitions have given clear and unequivocal legitimacy to the Exarchate of the Greek Orthodox Church in Syria- And the Commission of the Greek Orthodox Church in Syria- to intervene legally at the international and local levels in order to provide all means of support and protection.
Therefore, we announce that the petitions have been approved and the Exarchate of the Greek Orthodox Church in Syria- And the Commission of the Greek Orthodox Church to Syria have been forwarded to the relevant official bodies in Greece and the European Commision and European Parlement. This is out of concern for the safety of Syrian Orthodox Christians and to guarantee their continued existence and constitutional rights.
A legal council has been formed and has begun proactively engaging with the United Nations General Assembly, the UN Secretary-General, and the European Court of Justice, including rejection any attempt to impose a new constitution on the country that is not drafted by a comprehensive national constituent assembly. The aim is to establish a comprehensive constitution that guarantees the civil, political, and legislative rights of all Syrian communities, including the Orthodox community, which constitutes the majority of Christians in Syria.
The Church calls upon the transitional authority to act wisely and adhere to the principles of constitution-making as stipulated by relevant international law.
Ecclesiastical Commissioner to Syria: Father Spyridon Tanous’
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