“As we stand witness to the ongoing turmoil and devastating conflict in Syria, our hearts are filled with deep sorrow and concern for all who are suffering”, Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem said in a statement.
The communique, handed by the press office, reads:
We, in particular, are moved by the plight of our Armenian Christian brothers and sisters who have lived for generations in this land, a place they sought refuge after the horrific Armenian genocide of 1915. Syria has been home to many of the survivors and their descendants, and their presence there is a testament to the resilience and faith of the Armenian Christian.
Today, the safety and security of all Christian Communities in Syria are threatened once again by the violence and chaos that regrettably plagues this region. We raise our voices not only for the protection of all innocent lives, but especially for the Armenians who remain a living remnant of a people who endured the first genocide of the 20th century. They are not simply an ethnic group or a community of believers; they are a sacred witness to survival, perseverance, and the continued struggle for dignity in the face of genocidal persecution.
The Armenians in Syria, many of whom reside in the cities of Aleppo, Damascus, and elsewhere, have already endured so much. They have rebuilt their lives after the Genocide, established vibrant communities, and contributed richly to the social, cultural, and spiritual fabric of Syria. Yet, they now face a renewed threat to their lives and heritage. Their churches, schools, and homes have been caught in the crossfire of an ongoing civil war, and the fear of further displacement looms once again.
We call upon the international community—governments, religious organizations, humanitarian bodies, and individuals—to urgently focus attention on the protection and preservation of ALL CHRISTIANS IN SYRIA. These communities are not just ethnic minorities; they are a vital part of the Christian presence in the larger Middle East, a presence that has endured for centuries. The security of our Christian brothers and sisters in Syria must not be overlooked or treated as a secondary concern in the midst of political shifts in the region.
May God bless the Armenian people and all Christian Communities within Syria, and may His mercy bring peace and protection to all those who suffer in Syria and beyond. We pray for the day when all minority Christians, regardless of their denomination, can live in their communities in harmony and security, without the threat of religious persecution.
Divan of the Armenian Patriarchate
