(ANSAmed) - NICOSIA, MARCH 28 - A synaxis (holy meeting) of
the primates of the Orthodox Churches was held in Nicosia
Tuesday to discuss the situation of the Christians in the region
of the Middle East and to find ways of solidarity, strengthening
and support of the Christians to maintain their presence in
their ancestral homes. As CNA reports, the Patriarchs and the
Archbishop of Cyprus underlined, inter alia, that due to the
current situation in Syria, this Synaxis has a special
importance and supported the immediate need for peace, security
and stability and proposed to form a delegation of Primates to
visit different decision making centres in order to voice their
concern for peace and reconciliation and to create awareness of
the situation of the Christians in the Middle East. The synaxis
was held at the invitation of Archbishop of Cyprus Chrysostomos
II, and in the framework of the pastoral care of the Senior
Patriarchates of the Middle East and the Apostolic Church of
Cyprus, and was attended by Patriarch Theodoros II, of
Alexandria and All Africa, Patriarch Ignatius IV, of Antioch and
all the East, and Patriarch Theophilos III, of Jerusalem and the
Holy Land. According to a press release, the synaxis aimed at
further strengthening the bonds amongst the Orthodox Churches in
the region of the Middle East and to improve the cooperation
amongst them, as well as the relationships amongst all the
fellow Christians and to develop the harmonious and friendly
relations between the members of the three Monotheistic
religions. The Primates of the Churches discussed as well the
challenges of the region in view of the political and
socio-economic changes that are currently taking place in the
Middle East at large, and stressed on the need to resolve all
conflicting matters through peaceful means and constructive
dialogue. The Patriarchs and the Archbishop of Cyprus underlined
as well that due to the current situation in Syria, this Synaxis
has a special importance and supported the immediate need for
peace, security and stability. They highlighted as well that
Syria is a land in which Christians exist since the dawn of
Christianity and coexist with mosques in a unique symbolism of
symbiosis, fraternity and mutual respect that bring people
together. The Primates of Churches confirmed their commitment to
support all the efforts and necessary initiatives in order to
restore peace and achieve the aspirations of all citizens of
Syria. (ANSAmed).
