by Emilios Polygenis
The official visit of Patriarch Irinej of Serbia to the Patriarchate of Antioch was completed, following an invitation by Patriarch John last October during his visit to Serbia.
During their visit, the Primate of the Church of Serbia along those accompanying him, had the opportunity to see themselves the actual situation of the Church of Antioch in Syria and Lebanon.
The two Primates, with a common announcement, appeal to the international community and all governments to address the real problem of terrorism and the pressure exerted on the people who live in the East, including Christians.
Furthermore, the two churches emphasized the importance of cooperation for the unity of Orthodoxy, calling the Autocephalous Orthodox Churches to set up a dialogue, as the only way out of the crisis.
Both Primates stressed the importance of respecting the historical and geographical borders between the local Churches as a basic foundation in preserving the unity of the Orthodox Churches.
They also appeal for the abducted Metropolitans Paul of Aleppo and Ioannis Ibrahim, who have been missing since April 2013.
The two Primates also urge the International Community for the Preservation of the Sanctuaries of Kosovo and Metohija, and consider any change to the status of Kosovo unacceptable.
Finally, they ask for everyone’s prayers for peace and stability in all countries, especially in Syria and Lebanon, for the benefit of humanity in a whole.