His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East received His Beatitude and Holiness Patriarch Joseph I, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church, and His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church, at the Patriarchal Residence in Damascus.
During the meeting, the Patriarchs reviewed the situation of Christians in the Middle East in general and in Syria in particular. They renewed their condemnation of the heinous terrorist attack on Saint George Church in the village of Al-Hamoud, Jordan. They also discussed the general situation in Syria in light of repeated attacks, arbitrary dismissals from employment, asset-freezing orders imposed on certain citizens, and delays in the trials of detainees. In addition, they addressed the difficult living conditions and rising cost of living affecting Syrian citizens in general.
The Patriarchs examined the repercussions of these developments and discussed ways to support and assist the faithful amid the many concerns regarding their presence and future. They concluded their meeting with prayers for peace in Syria, throughout the Middle East, and around the world.
