Press Release: Syrian Patriarch speaks at House of Lords meeting hosted by Lord Alton, at the invitation of HG Bishop Angaelos

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

Media and Communications Office

Syrian Patriarch speaks at House of Lords meeting

29 November 2016

On 28 November 2016 a meeting was held with the Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church at the House of Lords, hosted by The Lord Alton of Liverpool, at the invitation of His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom.

The meeting, held under Chatham House Rules, gave opportunity for interested parliamentarians, diplomats, religious leaders and members of advocacy and human rights organisations, to listen to His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, one of Syria’s leading figures and one of its senior Christian leaders. The current situation in Syria, the suffering of its Christian communities and how others abroad can be of assistance, was discussed.

During the course of the meeting, concerns were raised over the nature of media coverage of events in Syria, and its lack of coverage of suffering communities in Western Aleppo. The concerns of the Syrian community, both Muslim and Christian, over British foreign policy and its potential long-term effects were raised.

The efforts of the Church in Syria to support and care for all members of the community indiscriminately, despite a lack of resources, were outlined. Following the meeting The Baroness Cox and The Lord Cormack both raised questions in a debate in the House of Lords concerning the situation in Aleppo.

After the meeting, Bishop Angaelos said:

“I am pleased that numerous members of parliament and the British community were given opportunity to listen to His Holiness, who is not merely a leader, but someone who lives in Syria among his flock, and who understands the gross challenges faced by Syrians. It is time for us to stop speaking about people in Syria, and start speaking and listening to them, in order to ascertain their needs and to try our utmost to meet them.

While thankful for the generosity and humanitarian aid already provided by Her Majesty’s government and the British public to suffering communities in the Middle East, what has become increasingly more evident is that Churches in Syria are left to their own devices to provide for those suffering, both Christian and Muslim, as a result of the ongoing war and crisis.

With limited resources and little to no funding from government bodies, Churches are playing a crucial role in helping to provide for the most vulnerable, and to hold communities together at a time when they themselves are under threat. The time is now for us all to do what we can to act to support their efforts, and to ensure that the most vulnerable are protected and not left to suffer under our watch.

Having said that, we give thanks for the clear message of Christian hope consistently lived and demonstrated by our sisters and brothers in Syria, and continue to pray that calm, peace and safety may once again be restored to their land and communities.”

In the days before the meeting, Bishop Angaelos attended the consecration of St Thomas Syriac Orthodox Cathedral, with His Holiness Patriarch Aphrem II, which was also attended by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, and attended liturgy at the Cathedral with the Patriarch before welcoming him to a community reception at St Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in London. 

*Ends*

Prayers for the ‘Supporting Syria and the Region’ Conference in London - HG Bishop Angaelos

Prayers for the ‘Supporting Syria and the Region’ Conference

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of
the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom

4 February 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those involved in the ‘Supporting Syria and the Region’ conference in London today. As heads of state, and representatives of NGOs, the private sector and civil society gather to consider ways of further supporting the vulnerable and displaced within Syria, and all affected by the refugee crisis, we pray for an effective discussion and fruitful outcome for those so desperately in need of the cooperation, collaboration and support of our world community. 

We give thanks for the immense generosity of both the British public and Her Majesty’s Government, evident in the ongoing support provided to those throughout this war-torn region. It is however undeniable that much more needs to be done by state and non-state actors, as well as individuals. This must simultaneously address both the macro and micro levels of conflict-resolution for the area, and provision for individuals affected by this ongoing conflict.

Although this conference omits religious institutions due to the fact that it focuses purely on matters of funding and social services, it must be acknowledged that some of these, including many Christian and Church, organisations are currently contributing substantially to ongoing social and relief work in the region. With this in mind, it is hoped that decisions will reflect that if 'hearts and minds' in the Middle East are to be challenged and changed, those and similar religious institutions must be included in both discussion and strategy. The fact remains that these legitimate and trusted networks have the greatest reach in their communities and have significant impact, as there is little if any separation in the region between government, civil society and religion. Similarly, existing pastoral and social Church networks on the ground are well placed to assist the most vulnerable in the region, and those without equal access to international support and schemes. 

We pray that all those involved in this and similar initiatives “receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgement and equity” (Proverbs 1:2-4) as they become vehicles and instigators of a restoration of peace, safety and human dignity for so many so in need.

*Ends*

Comment on the recent IDC Gala dinner by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom

Now that the dust has settled after the recent In Defense of Christians (IDC) Gala dinner in Washington on 10 September 2014, I feel it is appropriate to comment because of the nature of my work on inter-religious relations and reconciliation in Britain and around the world.

My observation was of a large gathering of people, particularly connected to Iraq and Syria, experiencing very real pain who had come together to represent relatives either displaced, persecuted, missing, or murdered. In my own address and in my general view as a Christian and a minister I believe there is complete clarity that advocacy must be for all who suffer persecution, Christian or otherwise, and that this is a time for collaboration to this end.

As mentioned in my previous statement of 10 September 2014, “Christians, along with those who live by faith, morals, and ethics, and the international community, must collaborate to address this threat against not only innocent civilians, but our way of life as we know it today.” Having spoken at this IDC Summit on the plight of Christians in the Middle East, and particularly in Iraq and Syria, I take personal exception to sweeping statements made about those in attendance as espousing "bigotry and hatred...against Jews and Israel". In light of the current very real challenges, this is not a time for such divisive and inflammatory language that demonises communities and causes rifts between them when their collaboration is most needed.

As servants of the people, clergy, politicians or otherwise, we are accountable and responsible as representatives, stewards and reconcilers to deal at the most difficult of times and circumstances with the most peaceful means to overcome apparent misunderstanding and conflict.

Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom on the Need for Collaboration to Address Violations of International Religious Freedom in Iraq, Syria and the wider Middle East

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate use

10 September 2014

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

Media and Communications Office

Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom on 10 September 2014 regarding the need for collaboration to address violations of international religious freedom in Iraq, Syria and the Wider Middle East.

Bishop Angaelos is delivering a keynote address at the In Defence of Christians (IDC) Summit in Washington DC on 10 September 2014 between 1-2pm (BST) 8-9am (EDT).

The three day summit, which intends to promote solidarity and strengthen advocacy efforts with policy makers and elected officials for those suffering in the Middle East, features human rights experts, public officials, representatives in public office, policy makers, diplomats, and Church leaders and representatives from across the Middle Eastern Christian community.

Bishop Angaelos will deliver another keynote address on Thursday 11 September at the Summit 1:30-3:30pm (BST) 8:30-10:30am (EDT).

His Grace will also be representing His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, 118^th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark.

Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom on the Need for Collaboration to Address Violations of International Religious Freedom in Iraq, Syria and the wider Middle East

The widespread brutality facing Christians and minorities in the Middle East is intensifying, and gross violations of the God-given right and freedom to practice Faith and belief, as protected by Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is increasingly experienced by them in their homelands.

Heightened levels of extremism seek to eradicate indigenous Christian communities that have been a vital part of the identity, culture and heritage of the Middle East for over two millennia. Those communities that do not fit within the extremist ideology now spreading through the region are at greater risk of no longer being a part of its fabric. The model of intolerance and extremism that we are witnessing, will become legitimised and replicated throughout the Middle East and further afield if left unchallenged, and will continue to marginalise, alienate and destroy all in its path.

While Christians continue to suffer the brunt of these dangerous levels of exclusion and dehumanisation, Yazidis and other religious and ethnic minorities, including many Muslims, also suffer the same fate. Innocent men, women and children face extreme persecution, torture and murder for their Faith. The loss of these historic communities, with their stabilising and reconciling presence, will not only have a detrimental effect on their own countries but on the entire region.

This is a time for collaboration and a unified effort against ideologies that seek to attack the fundamental principles of human rights and civilisation that have developed over millennia. Christians, along with those who live by faith, morals, and ethics, and the international community, must collaborate to address this threat against not only innocent civilians, but our way of life as we know it today.

Rhetoric used to describe the atrocities in the Middle East must no longer remain within a religious framework, but rather deal with these events as unacceptable crimes against citizens of countries who are entitled to the basic rights and freedoms of all. It is within this context that the international community must commit itself to providing, supporting, and advocating, in every way it can, for Christians and others whose fundamental right to freedom of Faith is denied in Iraq, Syria, Egypt and the wider Middle East.

We give thanks for our brothers and sisters who despite immense challenges, continue to live their Christian Faith with extraordinary strength and resilience, but as Christians we do not pray and advocate for them alone, but for all those denied their God-given right to freedom in the Middle East.

*Ends*

For more information about the IDC Summit 2014 please visit www.IDCSummit.org 

Press Release: Unprecedented meeting of Middle East Church Leaders and the Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth Palace

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate use

3 September 2014

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

Media and Communications Office

In an unprecedented ecumenical gathering at Lambeth Palace hosted by The Most Revd Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, and initiated by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, a statement was agreed by leaders and representatives of the Churches of the Middle East and the wider Christian Church in Britain.

The meeting began with a round table discussion regarding the plight of Christians and minority communities in Iraq, Syria and the wider Middle East. A statement was then agreed, expressing solidarity with, and advocating for, all those who continue to suffer gross violations of the fundamental right and freedom to practice their chosen faith.

The round table discussion was followed by a service of prayer to give thanks for Christians in the Middle East and to remember all those who have lost their lives or continue to suffer persecution. A short press briefing followed.

After the meeting, Bishop Angaelos said:

It is incomprehensible and unacceptable in the 21^st Century that our sisters and brothers in the Middle East face intimidation and death for exercising their freedom of religion or belief, or merely being of a certain ethnic background. 

We have gathered today as leaders and representatives of Churches in the Middle East within the wider Church in Britain to stand in solidarity with those who are persecuted for their Christian faith, as well as all who fall victim to injustice.

We have spoken in one voice, calling for the continued support of Christians and minority groups across the Middle East, and pray protection upon them while they remain steadfast in the face of unimaginable challenges.

With regards to media coverage of the plight of Christians in the Middle East, Archbishop Justin said:

When you are looking at the murder and the slaughter of vast numbers of people there is never enough in terms of coverage, and it is easy to forget that is part of a global process of immense suffering. I think in looking at the Middle East we hope that the media will not move on quickly but will continue to remember those who are suffering so greatly.

The statement is below:

Meeting and Service of Prayer for Christians in the Middle East

REJOICING IN THEIR FAITH AND SHARING IN THEIR COLLECTIVE PAIN

3 September 2014

A new situation has arisen which creates a state of emergency in the Middle East for Christians and other religious and ethnic minorities. The recent increase in violence and aggression has resulted in gross violations of fundamental rights and freedoms in the region. We gathered today as Christians including those originally from the Middle East to stand in solidarity and prayer with our brothers and sisters who seek to practice their faith and belief in lands where they have been a continuing presence for centuries.

The Middle East is the birthplace of Christianity, and home to indigenous Christian communities that have been an indispensable part of its history. Despite the challenges, Christians in the region were and are a stabilising and reconciling presence. Today, particularly in Iraq and Syria, they are at great risk from violence fostered by extremist ideologies which no longer see them as being part of the future. The Middle East is in desperate danger of losing an irreplaceable part of its identity, heritage and culture.

We are seeing an extreme religious ideology that knows no limits in its persecution of those who are culturally or religiously different. Those who promote this intolerance must be challenged and the perpetrators of violence held to account. The suffering of those who bear the brunt of its terror requires us to act and bear witness to their plight, whatever ethnic group or religious minority, they come from. We must provide relief and safety for those displaced and in fear of their lives in consultation with our partners in the region. We must also bring pressure to bear on those who can provide security to those affected.

In meeting and praying together, we give thanks for our brothers and sisters as they continue to live their Christian faith with strength and perseverance. We commit to continue to stand with them in prayer, to speak for freedom from persecution for Christians and all other religious communities and those of no faith who live as minority groups across the region. We also continue to urge Her Majesty’s Government to work within the international community to safeguard and provide for all those affected.

To our brothers and sisters in the Middle East, We “share with you in Jesus the persecution and the kingdom and the patient endurance.” Revelation 1:9

*Ends*

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom interviewed by presenter Stephen Sackur on BBC HARDtalk regarding Christians and Minority Groups in the Middle East

Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, on the anniversary of the unprecedented attacks on Churches in Egypt, and the current situation in Iraq, Syria and the Middle East

As we witness the atrocities in Iraq and Syria, and share the pain of those who are displaced and have lost loved ones, we also remember those commemorating the first anniversary of painful events that unfolded in Egypt over the coming days. Whether considering communities and families who lost loved ones in the pro-Morsi protests in the suburbs of Cairo, or the scores of Christian communities whose churches and places of ministry throughout Egypt were subsequently attacked, the continuing need for healing and reconciliation is ever present.

These events in Egypt are now an all-too-distant memory for many around the world, but for those personally touched by them, there remains real pain. For most, this pain is accompanied by a sense of immense loss, while for some who take a more radical line, by anger and a need for violent retribution. This need drove a small minority, a year ago, to retaliate against the scapegoated Christian community of Egypt that chose the extraordinary path of non-retaliation despite the unjustified and unprecedented level of attacks. Their restraint was, and continues to be, a powerful witness that has provided a strong foundation for peace and reconciliation.

Whether addressing Egypt, Iraq, Syria, or the broader Middle East, peace, stability, cohesion and reconciliation are traits of unified and unifying states, and can not come about without the support of a proactive and intentional effort from those who govern them.

With the atrocities we are witnessing at the forefront of our minds, we continue to advocate for those, regardless of race, religion or belief, who are suffering, and pray God’s grace and strength upon them as they currently endure immense challenges and persecution, and endeavour to move ahead from a place of mourning and loss.

As the situation facing Christians and minority groups in the Middle East increasingly spirals to new and dangerous levels of exclusion and dehumanisation, the need is intensified for both the unified Body of Christ within the Christian family, and the global community as a whole, to stand in solidarity with those suffering, condemn acts of brutality, and provide whatever assistance may be needed, while at the same time, explore every possible means of healing, rebuilding and restoring of communities and lives.  

We continue to hold those suffering great struggles, indignity and the loss of precious human life in our prayers, that grace, healing and strength be bestowed upon them all at this time. We also pray for those committing these atrocities, that they will one day realise the sanctity and dignity granted equally by God to every human life.

Press Release: Anglican-Oriental Orthodox International Commission reconvenes after 10 years

Press Release

For immediate use

7 October 2013

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

Media and Communications Office

ACO/ Neil Vigers

After a ten-year postponement, the Anglican-Oriental Orthodox International Commission held its second meeting 3-7 October 2013 in England.

The Anglican-Oriental Orthodox International Commission met to discuss matters of Christology and the Holy Spirit, and to pray for Egypt, Syria and the wider Middle East during a special service on 5 October 2013. The meeting comes shortly after the visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark in Egypt in June of this year.

ACO/ Neil Vigers

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, and acting Co-Secretary of the commission this year said:

“Having reconvened after a long postponement, we met with the aim of continuing our good relations and establishing greater unity between our Churches, while still tackling difficult and challenging issues. This has been an opportunity to re-establish a valuable platform for common understanding, leading to a greater witness of solidarity, not only for members of our own Churches but for the wider Christian Church and the whole world, especially our brethren in Egypt, Syria and throughout the Middle East for whom we prayed.”

Bishop Geoffrey Rowell, Co-Chair of the Dialogue said:

“We rejoice that we have met together once more, here in England, and within this Diocese of Guildford. We have gathered to reflect on our common faith in Christ.”

Archbishop Aphrem Karim of the Syriac Orthodox Church said:

“What is happening in Syria and the Middle East is the cost we have to pay for our faith. But the whole people of the Middle East, Christians and Muslims are suffering...” 

ACO/ Neil Vigers

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, who met with members of the consultation on Sunday 6 October 2013, said:

"I am delighted that Anglican and Orthodox Christians will worship together and remember in prayer the very difficult, indeed life-threatening circumstances in which some of the Churches are living.”

The third meeting of the Commission is planned to take place in Cairo, Egypt, in October 2014, hosted by the Coptic Orthodox Church, addressing the themes of ecclesiology, primacy and collegiality, and pastoral co-operation.

*Ends*

The Communiqué below.

Communiqué

The Anglican-Oriental Orthodox International Commission has held its second meeting 3-7 October 2013 at St Columba's House, Woking, England. Our Churches rejoice at the resumption of this important dialogue after ten years. 

We greatly appreciate the hospitality offered by the Anglican Communion, the Church of England, and the Diocese of Guildford.

During the course of its meeting the Commission shared in daily prayer from the various traditions represented, and considered and discussed the following papers:

The Procession of the Holy Spirit (Coptic Orthodox presentation)

The Filioque in the Anglican Tradition

The Filioque and Anglican Action

The Filioque and the Armenian Orthodox Tradition

The Draft Agreed Statement on Christology (2002) and its reception

The context in which we have met has been one of continuing concern for the countries in the Middle East in particular, as well as Kenya, Pakistan and Nigeria. Participants felt that Rev 1.9 spoke powerfully to us. ‘I, John, your brother, who share with you in Jesus, persecution and the kingdom and the patient endurance, was on the island called Patmos, because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.’ 

On Saturday 5 October we worshipped in the Coptic Orthodox Church of St Augustine, Gomshall, Surrey. Through this act of worship the members of the Commission, together with local church members, prayed and expressed solidarity with the peoples at the heart of suffering.

At the service, Bishop Angaelos said, 'We gather to remember our brethren in Egypt, Syria, and throughout the Middle East, where many continue to suffer persecution for their Faith. Some suffer even to the extent of losing their lives, yet their faithful witness in the Middle East is a blessing to the whole Church, and to the whole world.’

Bishop Geoffrey Rowell added, ‘We have reflected on our common faith in Christ, and how we speak of Him, and live in Him, by the life-giving work of God's Holy Spirit. We have done that in the deep awareness of the suffering of fellow Christians in Syria, in Egypt, and in many other places. The God whom we worship and adore is the One who comes down to the lowest part of our need.’

On Sunday 6 October members of the Commission were welcomed to the Eucharist at The Chapel Royal, Hampton Court, for its Feast of Dedication, and were joined by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby. In greeting them Archbishop Justin said, ‘We meet with an urgency and importance to meeting, which is together to seek God’s powerful hand to deliver the people of Christ, who seek only to serve him and serve their people.’ We express our thanks for his presence with us and his encouragement for the work of this dialogue. We are also deeply grateful to his predecessor Dr Rowan Williams for his significant work in reviving this dialogue. 

The Commission shares the joy of the Coptic Orthodox Church at the enthronement of its new Pope and Patriarch, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, and of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church at the enthronement of its new Patriarch, His Holiness Abune Matthias I.

The third meeting of the Commission is planned to take place in Cairo, Egypt, in October 2014, hosted by the Coptic Orthodox Church, addressing the themes of ecclesiology, primacy and collegiality, and pastoral co-operation. 

At the conclusion of the dialogue the Commission thanked God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, for the unity that they experienced and shared.

Members of the Commission

Anglican

The Rt Revd Dr Geoffrey Rowell (Co-Chair)                The Church of England

The Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson                           The Church of Ireland

The Revd Canon Harold Nahabedian                          The Anglican Church of Canada

The Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera                               The Church of Ceylon

The Revd Canon Dr William Taylor                             The Church of England

The Very Revd Dr Samy Shehata                                           The Episcopal Church of Jerusalem and the Middle East

The Rt Revd Jonathan Goodall                                  The Church of England

The Rt Revd Clive Handford                                      The Church of England (Unable to attend the meeting)

The Revd Canon Alyson Barnett-Cowan (Co-Secretary) Anglican Communion Office 

Mr Neil Vigers (Administrator)                                    Anglican Communion Office

Oriental Orthodox

Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria

His Eminence Metropolitan Bishoy (Co-Chair)             Egypt (Unable to attend the meeting)

His Grace Bishop Angaelos (Acting Co-Secretary)      England

Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church - Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Armenia

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian              USA

The Very Revd Archimandrite Shahe Ananyan            Armenia

Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church - Holy See of Cilicia, Antelias - Lebanon

His Eminence Archbishop Nareg Alemezian (Acting Co-Chair) Lebanon

His Grace Bishop Shahe Panossian                           Kuwait

Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church

His Grace Archbishop Abba Gabriel                          Ethiopia

His Grace Archbishop Abba Yacob                           South Africa

Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church

The Revd Fr Dr KM George                                       India (Unable to attend the meeting)

Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch

His Eminence Archbishop Mor Cyril Aphrem Karim USA

His Eminence Archbishop Mor Gregorios Joseph       India (Unable to attend the meeting)

Joint Communiqué about the Two Abducted Bishops 25-Apr-2013

Source: Syriac Orthodox Church - UK News 25-April-2013

Please Pray for Their Safe Return Joint Communiqué of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East and the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East 25-April-2013 On Thursday morning 25/04/2013, His Beatitude Mor Yohanna X Yazijy the Patiararch of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch and All the East has paid a brotherly visit to His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox of Antioch and All the East at his residence in Atchane, Lebanon. They have discussed the latest issues related to the two abducted brothers H.E. Mor Paulos Yazijy Greek Orthodox Bishop of Aleppo and Alexandretta and H.E. Mor Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim Syriac Orthodox Bishop of Aleppo. They have criticized again the fact that they have not been set free until now despite all the efforts being made. They have reiterated their call for the release of the two captive bishops. They call upon the international community to do all efforts to ensure their release and the stopping of all sort of violence in Syria and for the peace to prevail through dialogue and political means. Also, they agreed about the symbols for the common coexistence, tolerance and national unity. Also, they have agreed about the steps to be taken if the two bishops are not released within the next few hours. They are both hoping that the two abducted bishops will be in their Archdioceses to celebrate Palm Sunday, which will fill us and our people with joy. بيان صادر عن بطريركية السريان الأرثوذكس و بطريركية الروم الأرثوذكس 25 نيسان 2013 في صباح يوم الخميس 25/4/2013، قام صاحب الغبطة البطريرك يوحنا العاشر بطريرك الروم الأرثوذكس بزيارة أخوية إلى قداسة البطريرك مار إغناطيوس زكا الأول عيواص بطريرك السريان الأرثوذكس في مقرّه البطريركي في العطشانة ـ لبنان، و تداولا في المعطيات الأخيرة المتعلّقة بالمطرانين المخطوفين بولس يازجي و يوحنا إبراهيم، و إستنكرا مجدداً عدم الافراج عنهما حتى اليوم رغم الجهود التي تُبذل. و هما يجددان بهذه المناسبة دعوتهما للافراج عنهما و يدعوان المجتمع الدولي لبذل كافة الجهود في سبيل ذلك، و إيقاف العنف بكل أشكاله في سورية و إحلال السلام عبر الحوار و الحل السياسي. كما و يؤكدان على رموز العيش المشترك و التسامح و الوحدة الوطنية. و توافقا على اتخاذ الخطوات المناسبة، في حال لم يتم الإفراج عن المطرانين المخطوفين خلال الساعات المقبلة، آملين أن يكون المطرانان المخطوفان في أبرشيتيهما يوم الشعانين المقبل فنفرح و شعبنا بهما.