High-level US delegation visits Syriac Orthodox Patriarch in Daramsuq

DARAMSUQ — Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, accompanied by several bishops of the Syriac Orthodox Church, welcomed a high-level American delegation at the Mor Ephrem Monastery in Maarat Sadnaya. The delegation included US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack, Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC-2), who traveled to Syria to take part in a conference on religions.

The visit reflects Washington’s broader effort to engage with all Syrian communities in shaping the country’s future, while emphasizing the importance of preserving Syria’s Christian presence as an integral part of its cultural and historical heritage.

I had a very fruitful conversation with Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Congressman Joe Wilson and Ambassador Tom Barrack concerning Syria. #syria #syriacorthodoxchurch@SenatorShaheen @RepJoeWilson @TomBarrackJr @USAMBTurkiye pic.twitter.com/vjWXqQjp0D

— Mor Aphrem II (@MorAphremII) August 25, 2025

Talks focused on the current situation in Syria and ways to support reconstruction efforts, with particular attention given to safeguarding the nation’s pluralistic identity, long regarded as one of the defining characteristics of Syrian society.

Congressman Wilson underscored the crucial role of the Syriac Orthodox Church, highlighting US efforts to advance religious freedom in the post-Assad era. He described such initiatives as essential to restoring Syria’s historic prominence and stability.

The visit comes after a similar meeting earlier this year, when Patriarch Aphrem II traveled to Washington to meet with US senators and senior State Department officials. During that visit, the Patriarch raised concerns about the future of Syria’s Christian community following the downfall of Bashar al-Assad’s dictatorial regime, while also calling for the lifting of sanctions on the Syrian people to alleviate daily hardships and improve living conditions.

Patriarch Aphrem II reiterated his commitment to the principles of equal citizenship and inclusivity for all Syrian communities. He expressed hope that any future Syrian constitution will enshrine the rights of every group without exception, ensuring that the country’s diverse heritage is preserved for generations to come.