08/12/2022

Syriac Catholic Patriarch Younan receives delegations from Syriac Union Party and Council of Churches of Gozarto and Euphrates

ZALIN, Syria — During a visit to Zalin (Qamishli), North and East Syria, Syriac Catholic Patriarch Mor Ignatius Youssef III Younan received a delegation from the Syriac Union Party (SUP).

The Patriarch praised their efforts to strengthen the presence of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people in the region and encourage them to remain in their homeland.

The visiting delegation expressed its happiness at the visit of the Patriarch to Beth Nahrin, (Mesopotamia), land of ancestors. The delegation extended its congratulations to Mor Joseph Shimei following his ordination as Archbishop of the Gozarto (Jazira) and Euphrates. The delegation discussed the biggest challenges faced by the region and their impact on the existence of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people. They also discussed the efforts made by the SUP to preserve the rights of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people and ensure they have the same rights as other ethnic and religious groups.

The Patriarch also received a delegation from the Council of Churches of Gozarto (Jazira) and Euphrates. They reviewed the Council tasks related to preserving the Christian presence in Gozarto and discussed ways to address its current challenges.

Patriarch Younan referred to the great responsibilities of the Council, urging them to continue their cooperation with heads of other Churches in the region for the good of the Christian presence and preservation of Christians rights.

Before the end of his visit to the Archdiocese of Hasakah and Nusaybin, the Patriarch paid a visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Gozarto in the Syriac Catholic Archdiocese of Zalin.

He raised prayers for peace and security in Syria in general and Gozarto in particular, and for the Christian presence in this region.