Syriac community honors Sutoro martyrs killed in Turkish drone attack with solemn prayers across Europe

NORRKÖPING, Sweden — In a solemn ceremony at the Syriac Orthodox Mor Gabriel Church in Norrköping, Sweden, Father Saliba Melki led prayers to honor the memory of the three martyrs of the Syriac Security Forces (Sutoro), martyred in a recent Turkish drone attack in Dayrik (Derik / Malikiyah), North and East Syria. Father Saliba recounted the remarkable lives of the fallen heroes, praising their courageous sacrifices to defend our people’s national heritage.

Joining the commemoration, Father Matthe hailed the martyrs’ valor, urging pride in their selfless dedication to safeguarding of the ancestral lands of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people. The city of Dayrik, renowned for its contributions to Sutoro, was particularly lauded for its resilience in the face of adversity.

Following the prayer service, a memorial gathering was held at Mor Gabriel Church, where attendees gathered to pay tribute to the martyrs and offer condolences to their families.

Addressing the assembly, Yacoub Mirza, Deputy President of the Bethnahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo d’Bethnahrin, MUB), emphasized the perpetual remembrance of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) martyrs’ bloodshed. He underscored the imperative of honoring all martyrs, regardless of religious identity, for their noble sacrifice in defending the freedom and national existence of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people.

Meanwhile, across various regions of Sweden, churches echoed with prayers for the souls of the fallen heroes. In cities like Göteborg and Norrköping, Father Suleiman Aslan and Saliba Melki presided over ceremonies, while Father Melki Acho led prayers in Södertälje.

Similar ceremonies reverberated across Europe, with churches in Germany and the Netherlands hosting prayer gatherings and memorial luncheons. In Hamburg, Germany, the Virgin Mary Church and Mar Shimoni Church held solemn services led by Father Moshe Dogan. In Göppingen, Germany, Father Habib Onder conducted prayers at the Saint Ephram Church, supported by institutions affiliated with the MUB.

In the Netherlands, Father Constantine Abdo led a heartfelt remembrance at the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Church in Enschede.

Meanwhile, in Vienna, Austria, Father Thomas Abrahim, Father Samuel Ogle, and Father Avram Koureya presided over prayers at various churches, invoking divine grace for the departed souls.

These gatherings not only pay tribute to the fallen but also serve as a testament to the unwavering solidarity and resilience of our community in the face of adversity.