Syrian church leaders welcomed and endorsed the call of Pope Francis for a day of prayer and fasting for Syria on September 7.
The call was also welcomed by other religious leaders, including the Grand Mufti of Syria.
The Syrian crisis is increasingly complex, with the chemical weapons attack of August 21 a particularly heinous example of the numerous atrocities perpetrated by a range of parties. Widespread violence between government and various opposition groups continues, including in the major cities of Damascus, Aleppo and Homs. There are also conflicts between Kurdish groups and opposition groups as well as intra-opposition clashes.
Six million refugees
The death toll continues to rise and the number of displaced people grows ever larger. The most reliable estimates suggest that at least four million are displaced within the country and more than two million are officially registered as refugees in neighbouring countries (many more have not officially registered).
Syrian Christian leaders are appalled by the continuing violence and violations of human rights. Their consistent message is that a solution can only come through political dialogue and that all parties must prioritise the needs of the Syrian people.
photo: BBC
The fears of Christians for their own communities have heightened following clashes on September 4 around the historic Christian village of Maaloula, 40 miles north of Damascus, between extremist opposition elements and government forces controlling that area. Several villagers took refuge in a convent. Footage has emerged suggesting that the opposition forces sought to avoid direct damage to churches, and those forces soon withdrew from the village. However, Christians remain concerned by the influence of Islamist opposition groups in several areas. Syrian Christians urge that we join in prayer for Syria at this time.
A pastor’s prayer
Open Doors received the prayer of a pastor, one of its partners in Syria in the relief work there. It is a moving and heart-breaking prayer and gives insight into the suffering of the people who have decided to stay in the war-torn country.
‘I weep for my country! I am so sad and speechless…
They advise me to leave my country … to emigrate. I respond saying:
• I’m staying … for the church of Jesus … that the message of Jesus may remain a light guiding those who are lost and afraid.
• I’m staying … because the harvest is plentiful … and the suffering is huge … a deep wound, a sense of despair.
• I’m staying … to follow in the footsteps of my Master who went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil.
• I’m staying … because I’m busy in the ministry of saving souls (or can someone like me run? … Lord give me strength).
Do pray:
• That the cup of war be taken away from our country of Syria.
• That the Lord may crush the conspiracy of the evil ones … and their war plans … and consider their threats.
• That he may send the power of his Holy Spirit on his church that it may reach out to the suffering souls … who — harassed and helpless — are like sheep without a shepherd.
• That the Lord may give us to speak with great boldness and that many wonders and signs be performed. And souls return to Christ, and there be singing and praises.
• That the Lord may send more help that the house of the Lord may have food to satisfy the needs of the internally displaced … hundreds of whom are without any shelter.
• That the Lord may send more support for the wounded and the sick who need surgery, medication and healing.
• That the Lord may send those who can help us build a centre for children affected by the war, that we may be able to take care of those who have lost their supporters, and enable them to get back on their feet.
• That the Lord may send those who can help our children who are now disabled and have special needs.
O Lord, hear and answer my prayers.’
