06/01/2025

USUP President Ibrahim Mrad advocates for Christian rights and unity during holiday visits to Syriac Orthodox clergy

BEIRUT — During Christmas and New Year’s, coinciding with the anniversary of the fall of the dictatorial Syrian regime, Ibrahim Mrad, President of the Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP), led a delegation to meet with Syriac Orthodox Archbishop of Beirut, Daniel Gourieh.

During the visit, after exchanging holiday greetings, the delegation discussed the affairs of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community in Lebanon and the broader region. Mrad emphasized the importance of coordination between the Church and political entities in Syria to develop a joint action plan. This plan would aim to consolidate the national, political, and religious rights of Christians within Syria’s new constitution while contributing to the protection of their existence and freedoms alongside other ethnic groups in the Syrian population.



Mrad and the USUP delegation also met with Syriac Orthodox Archbishop of Mount Lebanon and Tripoli Mor Michael Shimon, in the presence of Father Andrew Khazal. The delegation exchanged greetings and continued discussions on the status of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community in Lebanon and the region.

Mrad reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts and unity to secure the rights of Christians in Syria’s forthcoming constitution, ensuring the preservation of their existence and their role in a diverse and inclusive society.