On Saturday, October 29th, a major event was held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey in support of Christians who are suffering persecution and genocide in Syria.
Approximately 400 people attended to express their support at this first-time event. In an effort to provide essential humanitarian relief to those suffering in Syria, funds were raised and are being forwarded to the International Orthodox Christian Charities, the Middle East Council of Churches, the Knights of Columbus, and International Christians Outreach. Each of these agencies is providing critical support on the ground in Syria.
Highlights from the event included heart-stirring, eye-witness testimonials from His Eminence Archbishop Mor Dionysius Jean Kawak, Helma Adde, Rouba Khalil, and Emma Kassis. The historical situation in the region was explained by Dr. Tom Papademetriou, and the genocidal realities were presented by Dr. Elisa Forgey, both professors at Richard Stockton University. The capacity crowd was brought to its feet in a thunderous ovation when the choir of Our Lady Star of the East Maronite Catholic Church sang the Lord’s Prayer in Aramaic. A powerful message of peace from Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey was also read.
The “Christians United for Peace: Syria” organization was established in June 2016 under the chairmanship of Dr. Haitham Dib. This ecumenical committee from throughout Atlantic County has resolved to work together to promote awareness, peace, and hope; and to provide prayer support and material necessities for Christians and others who are suffering and being persecuted in Syria and the Middle East. More events will be planned in the future. For additional information about the situation in Syria and to learn how to support this most worthy cause, please consult the website www.christiansunitedforpeacesyria.org or the Facebook page (Christians United for Peace: Syria).