SYRIA: Syriac Catholic Patriarch Younan visits churches across North and East Syria

HASAKAH, Syria — This week, Syriac Catholic Patriarch Mor Ignatius Younan III visited a number of churches in Hasakah in North and East Syria, delivering Divine Liturgies.

The Patriarch visited the Syriac Orthodox St. George’s Church and Chaldean Jesus the King Church in Hasakah. He presided over Divine Liturgies in both churches and met with Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) believers.

The Patriarch was assisted by Syriac Orthodox Archbishops of Gozarto (Jazira) and Euphrates Mor Maurice Amsih and priests from different denominations.

Patriarch Younan, accompanied by Syriac Catholic Patriarchal Vicar for Hasakah Msgr. Joseph Shimei, also visited Al-Muwahdah Private High School where he met with students and teaching staff, praising their efforts to maintain education under difficult circumstances.

The Patriarch also visited Mor Asya al-Hakim Center for People with Special Needs and Mor Mansour Charitable Society for Elderly Care.

He also received a number of believers in the archdiocese residence and listened to their concerns about the situation in Syria. The Patriarch praised their steadfastness in the homeland of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people despite difficulties.

The Patriarch discussed with Mor Maurice Amsih the situation of Christians in Syria in general and North and East Syria in particular. They praised the close relations between the two churches and exchanged souvenirs.

On Tuesday, Patriarch Younan visited the Syriac Orthodox Virgin Mary Church in the Al-Nasra neighborhood of Hasakah.

The Patriarch held a Divine Liturgy that was attended by priests, deacons, and a large gathering of believers from all denominations in the city.

During his sermon, the Patriarch spoke about the meaning of Christmas and the values of the Lord Jesus we must seek to replicate, including modesty, love, and peace.

After the Liturgy, everyone headed to the churchyard, which was decorated with Christmas lights and decorations. The Syriac Scouts performed Christmas songs and a Christmas tree was lit in an atmosphere of joy and hope. The Christmas event was secured by Syriac Security Forces (Sutoro and Sutoro Woman).