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In the statement, the patriarchs agreed to cooperate closely in issues related to Syriac spirituality; the Syriac presence in the Middle East; the Syriac presence in the countries of expansion following ongoing migration; common martyrdom and genocide of Syriac people; and common Syriac culture.
Gathering at the patriarchal residence in Atchaneh, Bikfaya, Lebanon, the patriarchs expressed thanks for their ancient Syriac heritage.
“We affirm that we are one Syriac people, rooted in the beloved East and we form its essential constituents, despite our number and the variety of our apostolic traditions,” reads the statement. “Our witness to our Christian faith in general, and to our Syriac identity in particular, is a constant source of concern for us.”
The patriarchs discussed the available means of supporting Syriac people to remain in the homeland. “Therefore, we pray for our countries’ citizens who are suffering because of these crises that are affecting their daily lives,” the statement reads. “We encourage them to hold firmly to the faith of their forefathers and to their identity and heritage.”
The patriarchs thanked God for the efforts of their churches to continuously seek unity in faith. “We appreciate all the initiatives and activities that have tried to study our common Syriac patrimony and transmit it,” the statement reads. “Finally, we would like to thank the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch for taking the initiative to call for this historical meeting and for the good hospitality as well as preparing a fraternal atmosphere for it.”
The patriarchs prayed for peace, security, justice, and stability in the whole world.
“We are rooted in this land and for its sake the church has offered great sacrifices,” the statement reads. “In particular, we remember the suffering of the two kidnapped Archbishops: Mor Gregorius Youhanna Ibrahim and Boulos Yaziji, with the kidnapped priests and laypeople; we pray for them and ask all to work hard to reveal their fate.”
More images of the meeting (Facebook page of His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II)
