Christmas Celebrations in Syria limited to Prayers

christmas-in.jpg(Dp-news – Sana)
DAMASCUS- Christian denominations performed prayers at churches and places of worship marking birth of Jesus Christ, the messenger of peace and amity. Christmas celebrations in Syria this year were limited to prayers only due to the current events and in honor of the Syrian martyrs.

Christmas Mass was held at St. Georges Cathedral in Damascus, headed by Patriarch Mar Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, Patriarch of Antioch and All Orient and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, assisted by bishops, priests, the Patriarchate choir, and the Mar Ephrem Theological School.
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In the Christmas sermon, Patriarch Iwas elaborated on the sublime meanings of the occasion, indicating that Jesus Christ carried a message of peace and amity to the world.

His Beatitude prayed for martyrs to bask in God’s mercy and for Syria to remain safe and stable, expressing trust that the awareness of the Syrian people will help Syria overcome the crisis.

Christmas Mass was also held at the National Evangelical Church in Damascus headed by Pastor Boutros Zaour, assisted by the church choir.

Pastor Zaour said that the Christmas this year comes at a time when Syria is targeted by the worst conspiracy ever, adding that the leadership has worked genuinely to enact reforms to push Syria on the road of dignity, reform and modernization.

Zaour condemned the twin terrorist attacks which claimed the lives of scores of civilians and military members in Damascus, adding that such hideous acts will sharpen the will of the Syrian people and their adherence to national unity against conspiracies.

Pastor Zaour criticized calls of some Western powers to occupy Syria, expressing utter rejection of foreign meddling in the Syrian internal affairs.

In turn, Pastor Samuel Hanna, President of the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon, denounced the twin terrorist attacks which hit Damascus on Friday, offering heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs.

Another mass, Midnight Mass was held at the Cathedral of the Melkite Greek Catholics, headed by Patriarchal Deputy in Damascus Bishop Jospeh al-Absi, assisted by priests and the cathedral choir.

Al-Absi called in his Christmas sermon for synchronizing efforts to protect Syria, hailing the sacrifices offered by the Syrian Arab army in defense of the country.

Al-Absi denounced the terrorist attacks which hit Damascus, offering deep condolences to the families of the martyrs.
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