Statement Issued by the Greek Orthodox…

For days now, before the eyes of the entire world, violence has been afflicting our people in Swayda. For days, attempts at resolution and calming the situation have been ongoing, to no avail. What is happening in Suwayda disgraces humanity.

Since the outbreak of the recent events, Patriarch JOHN X has been closely monitoring the situation on the ground through direct and continuous communication with Metropolitan Antonios Saad, Archbishop of Bosra, Hauran, and Jabal al-Arab. His Beatitude is also following the situation through contacts with all local authorities and communities in the area and its surroundings, foremost among them the Sheikh al-Aql of the Druze community in Lebanon.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East joins its voice with the voices of the wise of this world to call for an end to the bloodshed in Suwayda and commends regional and international mediation efforts to put an end to these massacres that target the coexistence of all communities. The Patriarchate also joins its voice with that of its faithful in Suwayda, represented by the repeated appeals recently made by Metropolitan Antonios Saad, Archbishop of Bosra, Hauran, and Jabal al-Arab.

Firm in our hope, we remain unwavering in faith, casting aside all fear and dread. We ask the Lord God to steer the ship of our salvation amid the tumultuous waves of this world, He who is blessed forever.