Mideast Christians pray for Syrian bishops’ release a month after abduction

May 23, 2013

Christians gathered in the Jordanian capital of Amman to pray for the release of the Greek Orthodox and Syriac Orthodox archbishops of Aleppo, who were kidnapped one month ago by Syrian rebel forces.

Two thousand Christians took part in a peaceful candlelight procession from the Greek Orthodox cathedral to a Syriac Orthodox church in Amman. “We prayed so that Jordan is not plagued by conflicts that are causing suffering to the peoples of neighboring countries,” said Catholic Archbishop Maroun Lahham.

The Greek Orthodox and Syriac Orthodox Archdioceses of Aleppo also issued a joint statement appealing for the prelates’ release.

“Today, and after one month of abduction, and despite all the prayers and the supplications in the local churches and worldwide; as well as the calls, the statements and the efforts from the Christian and Muslim organizations in the world and the international community, we renew our request for the abductees to revise their action, fear God, and release the two archbishops without hurting their health or physical situation; and release all other abducted priests and innocent civilians,” the statement said.

 

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Further information:

• Bishop of Aleppo: Concern over fate of two Syrian archbishops kidnapped one month ago (Vatican Radio)
• Syria: Christians mark 1 month since bishops' kidnapping (Vatican Radio)
• March of prayer for the Syrian bishops kidnapped. "May the Almighty safeguard the stability in the Hashemite Kingdom" (Fides)
• Syrian rebels kidnap 2 prelates (CWN, 4/23)