Prayers continue upon 13th year since abduction of archbishops of Aleppo

The World Council of Churches (WCC) expressed solidarity with those praying for the return of His Eminence Boulos (Yazigi), from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East, and His Eminence Mor Youhanna Gregorios (Ibrahim) from the Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East.

The archbishops were abducted on 22 April 2013, and many around the world marked the 13th anniversary of the tragic event with prayers.

"The long and continued absence of the two bishops is representative of all the many losses suffered by the Syrian people through so many years of brutal conflict,” said Peter Prove, director of the WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs. “Even after so many years, for the churches of Syria it remains a painful wound in the body of Christ.”

The WCC joined in continuing prayers for the restoration of Bishops Boulos Yazigi and Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim to their communities. “And we pray that Christians and all people of Syria may finally know peace, security, and equal rights in their own land,” said Prove.

The WCC morning prayer for staff and visitors on 22 April also marked the 13th year since the abduction. "As we mark the 13th year since the abduction of Bishops Boulos Yazigi and Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim, we pray today for the family, friends, and the community of the faithful who continue to live with the hope of their safe return,” the people prayed. “Grant them your peace that as they wait, their hope will not wane but instead will be rekindled even after these many years. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy."