The Fathers lift up their prayers for the peace of the whole world and for the people of Gaza, who are suffering from the scourge of war and the injustice of decision-makers in the international community that seems to have lost its humanity. In addition, the Fathers offer their prayers for Syria and Lebanon. They appeal to the whole world to stop the killing machine in Gaza, lift the blockade, and bring about peace. They also plead all to work for preventing this war’s impact on the region, and especially on Lebanon. The Fathers extend their best wishes to the Muslim community at the beginning of this blessed holy month of mercy and charity, invoking the mercies of the Father of Lights upon them. The Synod Fathers call their faithful children during this blessed period to intensify their prayers for the whole Orthodox Church and Her unity, and for the confessing Ukrainian Orthodox Church. This Church’s faithful are suffering from the cruel brunt of war, organized violence, and danger of extinction through unjust laws that aim at closing their parishes and transferring their churches’ ownership to other religious groups.
Full statement to be found HERE, including the laicization of our former Metropolitan Joseph
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Rev. Fr. Raphael K. Barberg
St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church
Niagara Falls, NY
716-277-8805
