Patriarch John X appreciates Russian role to solve crisis in Syria through dialogue

Moscow, SANA-Patriarch John X Yazigi of Antioch and All the East for Rome Orthodox affirmed Thursday that Antioch and Moscow always pray and work for peace in the Middle East and for restoring security and stability to Syria and Lebanon.

Patriarch John X, meeting Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and the entire Russia, pointed out to the important role played by Russia to push towards a peaceful, political solution to the crisis  in Syria through dialogue, calling for the immediate release of two bishops Yohanna Ibrahim and Boulos Yazigi who were abducted by terrorists in Aleppo.

Yazigi led thanks’ prayers at the Patriarchate seat Church before starting official talks between the Syrian and Russian delegations which concentrated on many points, particularly the christens’ presence in the Middle East.

Patriarch Kirill, for his part, underlined that the Russian and Antioch churches have stood side by side throughout history, adding “The Russian people pray for the Church of Antioch and for peace in the whole Middle East.”

Russian Foreign Ministry and the Russian Orthodox Church have called for exerting the efforts to release the two bishops, abducted by terrorists in Aleppo since nearly two years.

Mazen Eyon