A Delegation from the Diocese of Aleppo at the…

 

After the difficult days and the recent bloody events that struck the city of Aleppo, Patriarch John X received Metropolitan Ephraim Maalouli of Aleppo along with a delegation of priests and some members of the archdiocesan council.

His Beatitude began the meeting by expressing his joy at always meeting the brothers and beloved ones from Aleppo, recalling his many visits to look after the faithful of Aleppo throughout their suffering, especially after the abduction of their shepherd, Metropolitan Paul Yazigi. His Beatitude particularly valued this meeting at the Patriarchate, praising the steadfastness of the people of Aleppo despite the harsh circumstances.

In turn, Metropolitan Ephraim conveyed the love of all the faithful of the archdiocese to His Beatitude and their wishes for his health and long life. He also thanked the Patriarch, on behalf of all the faithful, for his constant support and his positions, always been a main driving force that strengthened and encouraged the faithful.

The attendees also expressed their deep joy at meeting the Patriarch as a paternalfigure, whose presence has always been felt among them—whether through his visits to Aleppo in its darkest times, since the abduction of their bishop to the siege, war, and earthquake, as well as through his material and spiritual support.