site.btaBulgarian Orthodox Church Calls for Prayer for Fellow Christians and Innocents Suffering in Middle East

In a special address on Friday, the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church - Bulgarian Patriarchate (BOC-BP) called on its congregation to pray for fellow Christians suffering in Syria, the historical region of Palestine, Gaza, and the entire Middle East, as well as for all innocent human beings suffering from war, insecurity, injustice, and violence. The statement was made public by the press service of the BOC-BP.

"During the days of Great Lent, we call on all Orthodox Christians from the diocese of BOC-BP to engage in fervent daily kneeling prayers for our Christian brothers and sisters in Syria, the historical region of Palestine, the Gaza Strip, and throughout the entire Middle East, as well as for every innocent human being suffering from war, insecurity, injustice, and violence. [...] We urge the responsible international and national actors and organizations to do everything within their human capabilities and resources to immediately stop the violence and protect the rights and lives of Christian minorities in Syria and the entire Middle East," the statement reads.

The Holy Synod expresses its "unreserved fraternal support and solidarity" with the martyred Patriarchate of Antioch and its head, Patriarch John X, as well as with the Jerusalem Patriarchate and its head, Patriarch Theophilos III. "In the first quarter of the 21st century, when everyone speaks of human rights, personal freedom, and the protection of minority rights, the whole world has become a passive witness to the tragic events happening in the Middle East. We are witnessing how civilians, unarmed, helpless people - hundreds of men, women, children, and the elderly, are being tortured, humiliated, raped, and killed in the most brutal and inhuman ways in Syria and other neighboring countries of the Middle East. We cannot remain indifferent and silent in the face of the suffering, pain, and torment endured by thousands of our brothers and sisters!" the statement continues.