Christian Patriarchs in Syria Condemn Violence, Call for Reconciliation
By Kardo Roj
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Three of Syria’s most senior Christian patriarchs have issued a joint statement condemning the recent surge in violence across the country, particularly in the coastal region, where civilians have been subjected to attacks, displacement, and looting.
The statement, signed by Greek Orthodox Patriarch John X, Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II, and Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch Joseph Absi, denounces the targeting of innocent civilians, including women and children, and calls for urgent efforts to stop the cycle of revenge and retribution.
“Syria has witnessed a dangerous escalation in violence, resulting in assaults on innocent civilians, violations of homes, and widespread looting,” the statement read. “We strongly condemn any attack on civil peace and categorically reject the massacres targeting innocent citizens.”
The Christian leaders emphasized the need for immediate reconciliation efforts to bridge divisions within Syrian society. They stressed that a stable future for the country requires a commitment to equality, citizenship, and true partnership among all communities.
“The churches call for the urgent creation of conditions conducive to national reconciliation among all Syrians and for the establishment of a state that respects all its citizens,” they said. “Syria’s future must be built on equal citizenship and true partnership, free from the logic of revenge and exclusion.”
Their message comes as the Syrian government tightens security in the coastal region following armed clashes. While Damascus claims to be restoring order, opposition voices—including Kurdish leaders and human rights groups—warn that indiscriminate measures could deepen sectarian tensions.
Syria’s Christian communities, which historically made up around 10% of the country’s pre-war population, have been profoundly affected by the war. Many Christians have been displaced due to jihadist attacks, particularly in areas controlled by extremist factions like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). At the same time, many have remained in government-held areas, seeking stability but also facing the broader hardships of war, economic crisis, and political repression.
The patriarchs’ statement rejects any attempt to divide the country along ethnic or sectarian lines, reiterating their opposition to any plan that could lead to the partition of Syria.
“We affirm the unity of Syrian territory and reject any attempt to divide it,” they declared, in a clear rebuke of both foreign interventions and internal power struggles.
The patriarchs urged all actors inside Syria to take responsibility for ending the bloodshed, advocating for dialogue as the only viable path forward.
“We call on all concerned parties to bear their responsibilities in stopping this cycle of violence and to pursue peaceful solutions that uphold human dignity and preserve the unity of the homeland,” they said.
Their appeal aligns with other recent calls from Syrian civil and religious leaders urging an end to military escalation, including Kurdish leader Elham Ahmed, who earlier this week warned against collective punishment and sectarian targeting in the coastal region.
As the situation in Syria’s coastal areas remains tense, the patriarchs’ call for reconciliation will test whether political and military leaders are willing to prioritize peace over further conflict.