Syrian Orthodox Metropolitan Calls For Release of Abducted Prelates

No News on Fate of Bishops or Identity of Kidnappers

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Syrian Orthodox Metropolitan Jean Kawak called for aid from Turkish leaders in securing the release of two Syrian bishops who were kidnapped in Aleppo. «Turkey is important to resolve the situation of our two brother bishops of Aleppo kidnapped,» Metropolitan Kawak told Fides News Agency.

«The entire northern Syria is now somewhat under Turkish control, so it is important to talk with them. Every diplomatic and humanitarian initiative should point in that direction, also involving the Turkish leaders.»

On April 22, Syrian Orthodox Metropolitan Mar Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim and Greek-Orthodox Bishop Boulos al-Yazigi were kidnapped by unknown abductors during a humanitarian mission. So far, Metropolitan Kawak said, «there is no news on the fate of the kidnapped and on the certain identity of the group of kidnappers.»

«There are those who ensure that the two bishops are well and that Mar Gregorios has the medicines he needs every day.»

Metropolitan Kawak called on all Christians to pray for the safety and releasenof the two abducted prelates. «Today, our Churches celebrate Good Friday, and the hearts of Christians are afflicted. All Christians pray that the two bishops are released in the coming days. It would be for all also this a sign of Resurrection, after the passion we are living,» he said.

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Junno Arocho Esteves

Newark, New Jersey, USA Bachelor of Science degree in Diplomacy and International Relations.

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