Serbian Patriarch expressed support for the Antiochian Church in connection with the events in Syria

His Holiness Patriarch Porfiry, Primate of the Serbian Orthodox Church, has published a message in connection with the tragic events taking place in Syria. The head of the Serbian Church expressed support for the Primate of the Patriarchate of Antioch and called on the international community to “immediately protect the innocent victims and restore peace.” The message was published on the official website of the Serbian Patriarchate.

“It is with deep sorrow that we have received the news of the unprecedented and horrifying crimes being committed these days against Christians and Islamic minorities — Alawites and Shiites — in ancient and martyred Syria. For us Orthodox Christians, every human being, regardless of faith and nationality, is the image of God and the guardian of the sacred gift of life. Therefore, our sorrow is even greater, because in recent days thousands of innocent and defenseless Syrians have become victims of torture and death at the hands of those who are now in official power,” — Patriarch Porfiry noted.

The First Hierarch of the Serbian Church emphasized that the violence taking place in Syria, if it is not stopped, may well spread to other countries of the world, so the international community must take decisive measures to stop the bloodshed. The head of the SOC also called on the flock to pray intensely for the Antiochian Orthodox Church and its Primate, His Beatitude Patriarch John of Antioch.

“I also call upon the entire Serbian Church, our people and clergy to add to our Lenten efforts sincere prayers for the repose of the souls of all Syrian martyrs, as well as for the comfort and protection of their loved ones. By praying for their welfare and peace in their country, we will prove to be true children of the Heavenly Father, true multipliers and guardians of peace and goodness amidst the chaos of our times. I express my special prayerful, compassionate and fraternal love and support to the true friend of the Church of St. Sava, His Beatitude Patriarch John of Antioch and All the East, as well as to his holy clergy, who continue to witness to the love of God with fearlessness of spirit, like the martyrs of the first centuries,” — the Patriarch concluded.

Earlier we reported that His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia published an address to His Beatitude Patriarch John, Primate of the Antiochian Orthodox Church, in connection with the tragic events in Syria. The Primate of the Russian Church assured Patriarch John of his support and welcomed his efforts to achieve peace in Syria.