December 1st 2024
Official Statement:
The Holy Orthodox Order of Saint George the Great Martyr observes with profound alarm the worsening crisis in Syria, particularly in the Aleppo region. The Order demands the protection of human life, the preservation of dignity, and the assurance of safety and security for all. It calls for immediate action to shield civilians, safeguard their livelihoods, provide essential resources, and prevent measures that endanger their welfare or compromise the future of their children.
We implore the Lord to fortify the resilience of the Syrian people, empowering them to remain steadfast in their land, homes, and institutions, and to uphold their communities amidst this turmoil. The Order also emphasizes the necessity of ensuring the continued operation of public and private institutions so they may serve the people effectively, even as the situation deteriorates.
At this critical juncture, the Order underscores the imperative of preserving civil peace, reinforcing social cohesion, and maintaining pluralistic societies. The Christian community in Syria, an integral part of the nation’s cultural and historical fabric, is particularly significant during these challenging times. Their unwavering presence serves as a testament to Syria’s rich heritage. The Order points to the essential role of Christians in fostering unity and maintaining the region’s spiritual and social equilibrium. Protecting these communities is vital to preserving Syria’s pluralistic identity and ensuring their contributions to the country’s durability and recovery.
In our commitment to this cause, the Order recently participated in the United Nations sessions on Minority Rights and the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. On the sidelines of these sessions, we engaged in heartfelt discussions with representatives from Jordan, Egypt, Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria. These conversations focused on the urgent need for human rights protections, equitable access to humanitarian aid, and the security of all communities—especially those who, in the turmoil of conflict, risk being lost and forgotten.
The Order emphasized the importance of maintaining pluralistic societies that protect Christians of all denominations, particularly the Orthodox faithful, who hold a unique place as the oldest Christian tradition in the Levant and the broader Middle East. In advocating for these principles, the Order reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the region’s diverse heritage and fostering unity, as pluralism is fundamental to the region’s stability and future.
The Order issues an urgent plea to local and international decision-makers, calling for decisive action to protect civilians, including the Christian minority, and to enforce their rights under international humanitarian law. We advocate for measures to shield the vulnerable from exploitation due to the ongoing conflicts.
As an international non-governmental organization, the Order appeals to governments and religious institutions worldwide to leverage their influence to act decisively in protecting civilians and delivering critical aid to those suffering amid this humanitarian crisis.
The Order fervently prays for Christ our God to illuminate the hearts and minds of all parties involved, granting them the wisdom and courage to pursue justice and peace. May compassion guide their actions, bringing relief to the suffering, restoring dignity to the oppressed, and paving the way for a future built on unity, stability, and hope for all Syrians.
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