In a country battered by five years of bloody war, the Syrian
Christians are renewing their commitment to the cessation of violence by
different denominations joining in a single, massive "cry for peace ".
An ecumenical prayer held in recent days in Damascus - to coincide
with Pope Francis’ trip to Sweden - the meeting [interfaith] in
preparation for next Christmas, is part of the many events promoted by
the local Caritas. Apostolic nuncio Mario Zenari tells AsiaNews, this
witness offered by the Christians is "a breath of fresh air" for the
whole community.
For the Vatican diplomat, recently named among cardinal-designates by
Pope Francis, the ecumenical peace meeting in Damascus on October 31
last "was a nice, encouraging event" for the efforts made by scouts and
young people of the whole community .
The bishops ecumenism, common
prayer in the Greek-Melkite cathedral are "events that have given a
little 'comfort' to alleviate years of suffering.
In my speech, continues Cardinal-designate Zenari, "I remembered the
blood ecumenism" lived "every day in Syria," the persecution suffered by
Christians which is both "a boost, an incentive to strengthen this
union" and a "blood witness".
And a warning so that the local Church
continues its work in the social field, showing itself close "to the
people who suffer."
During the ecumenical prayer for peace, Caritas distributed 2
thousand copies of the Gospel to participants as promised by the pope
last year, during the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia,
attended by a delegation from Syria. The volumes arrived in Damascus via
Beirut, just the day before the meeting.
Receiving a copy of the Gospel, the young scout Bassel still felt
"the wonderful message of peace" launched by Pope Francis. He is ready
to pick it up, adds, and to work for the good "of my country, of my
people and the entire world".
The distribution of the Gospels signed by the Pope was one of the
highlights of the evening, attended by over 2,500 faithful, together
with bishops of various Christian denominations in the capital, nuns,
religious, priests, volunteers and scout groups.
Following the reading of prayers and special intentions for peace on
the part of representatives of the various Churches (Catholic, Orthodox
and Protestant), there were alternating hymns sang by the Choir of the
Syrian Orthodox Church of Saint Ephraim, to emphasize the ecumenical
character of ' event.
Aida Shashati, a member of the International Movement of Apostolate
of Independent Social Classes (MIAMSI), confirms the "great message of
encouragement and love" that Pope Francis continues to reserve for Syria
and its people. "It is a warning –she added - to be tied to our
country, and to our Christian faith to shine like a bright star, which
is able to bring light to others in dark times of war and violence."
Speaking to AsiaNews Sandra Awad, head of communications of
Caritas Syria, emphasizes the great value of meeting. "For the first
time - she says - Christians of different denominations have come
together to pray" at a common event. In addition a brass band was set up
, for the occasion composed of young people - around 50 in all -
Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants. "They performed at the end - said
the Caritas activist - playing for over half an hour".
Remon Koury, the scout group of the Church of Saint Ephraim, says the
event was a "success" because it shows how "the common commitment of
the various" groups can be "beneficial" for Syria.
Majd Shiha, of the Vineyard of the Good Shepherd scout group, speaks
of "launching a message to the whole world." "Usually - he adds - the
papers do not show the bright side of the Syrian people that is
creative, attached to the life of their country, who want to be happy
despite the difficulties, and want to spread love, joy and peace
everywhere."
"In the context of the evening – concludes Rita Jarallah, Head of
Caritas Syria who oversaw the organization of the event - we understand
that our country is becoming a reality ... Peace in Syria is indeed
possible."