Special Prayers Offered For Syrian Armenians

The critical situation of the Armenian community in Syria is a concern for the Western Diocese.  His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian has been monitoring the situation and is in contact with the Primate of the Diocese of Damascus, Bishop Armash Nalbandian.

On November 29, Syrian rebels reached the heart of the northern city of Aleppo, after a surprise sweep through government-held towns and nearly a decade after having been forced out of the city. An Armenian resident in Aleppo reported that they are under lockdown conditions due to the military incursion: “All the exist routes from the city are closed, the streets are empty. It seems this time it would be more difficult.”

During the Divine Liturgy on Sunday the worshippers were asked to join the Primate and the clergy for special prayers for the safety of the population in Aleppo and protection of the members of the Armenian community in the city.  Parishes of the Western Diocese also offered prayers. The Syrian community will remain in the prayers of the parishes during the liturgy in the coming weeks.