On December 29, 2024, the Patriarchs and Heads of Christian Churches in Syria came together to release a significant joint statement from Damascus, addressing both the nation and the international community during a time of crucial transition for Syria. Emphasizing their duty to advocate for peace and unity during the Holy Nativity season, the leaders declared a message of love and hope to the public.
The statement outlined the important role of Christians in promoting national reconciliation, advocating for economic relief, contributing to constitutional reform, and maintaining optimism for Syria’s future. The Church leaders stressed the necessity of unity and called for a comprehensive national dialogue to rebuild social cohesion and strengthen Syria’s identity as a diverse and inclusive nation. They also highlighted the importance of dialogue workshops and community-driven projects to foster trust, coexistence, and reconciliation.
In addition, the joint message urgently appealed to the international community to lift the economic sanctions imposed on Syria, noting the detrimental impact on Syrian citizens and neighboring countries facing migration crises. The Patriarchs emphasized the need for inclusivity and adherence to principles of citizenship, human rights, and the rule of law in the process of constitutional reform.
Hope for Syria’s future was a central theme of the message, with the Church leaders envisioning a united and sovereign Syria founded on democracy, human rights, and equality. They called for a secular state that respects diversity while remaining neutral toward religion, aiming for Syria to serve as a model of a modern state.
The statement concluded with a powerful call to action, urging Christians to actively engage in the public sphere and encouraging all Syrians to work together in rebuilding the nation. Signed by Greek Orthodox Patriarch John X, Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, and Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch Youssef I Absi, the message expressed hope for God’s blessings to guide Syria toward reconciliation and peace.
Therefore, we stress:
• The importance of an inclusive and comprehensive constitution-drafting process that involves all segments of Syrian society, including different ethnicities, religions, genders, and age groups, to ensure the constitution reflects the diverse will of the people.
• The necessity for the constitution to uphold principles of citizenship, human rights, the rule of law, and the separation of powers, while respecting individual freedoms, including freedom of belief and expression, and the inclusion of women.
• The incorporation of justice and equality values in the constitution, laying the groundwork for a state that provides equal opportunities for all citizens without discrimination in political, social, and economic realms.
Fourth: Hope for a Bright Future
We envision a new Syria as a unified and progressive state based on citizenship, democracy, and human rights. Our vision for the Syria of tomorrow includes:
• A united, sovereign, and independent Syria that upholds the dignity of every citizen irrespective of their background.
• A Syria governed by a constitution that ensures the rule of law, equality, separation of powers, and respect for diversity and freedoms.
• A Syria where active participation in shaping the future is encouraged, especially by women and youth.
• A Syria where the state maintains neutrality towards all religions and denominations, preventing the exploitation of religion for political gain.
A Call to Commitment and Action
We, the leaders of Christian Churches in Syria, urge all Syrians to collaborate towards realizing this vision. We call on our Christian community to actively engage in public life, guided by the spirit of the Gospel, to contribute to building a new Syria.
We also appeal to the international community to support Syrians in rebuilding their country within its borders, to uphold national sovereignty, and to lift imposed sanctions for independent reconstruction.
Let us seek God’s guidance and blessings as we work towards peace and reconciliation in this land of civilizations and faith. Together, let us be agents of peace, embodying the message of Christ for reconciliation, brotherly love, and peace on earth.
JOHN X
Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East MO
IGNATIUS APHREM II
Syriac Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church
YOUSSEF I ABSI
Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and All the East