Syrian Archbishop: 'War is fought through forgiveness'

Archbishop Marayati

Source: Fides/Sant'Egidio

"War is not fought with war, but through dialogue, forgiveness, reconciliation, and the will to start a new life and follow new paths of peace." the Armenian Catholic Archbishop of Aleppo, Butros Marayati, said at the international 'Paths of Peace' meeting, organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio in Munster, Germany.

Archbishop Marayati spoke about the other two Bishops of Aleppo, Siro-Orthodox Mar Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim and Greek Orthodox Paul Yazigi, who were kidnapped on 22 April, 2013, renewing an appeal for their release.

"Aleppo awaits the return of its kidnapped bishops and priests, awaits the end of war, hopes and trusts in the Lord," he said.

Recalling the immense suffering of children, women, and refugees waiting for peace, Archbishop Marayati concluded: "Their cry is 'never war again' because war is always a useless massacre."

The two metropolitan Bishops of Aleppo were kidnapped in the area between the Syrian metropolis and the border with Turkey. The car in which they were traveling was attacked by a group of kidnappers who killed the driver. No group has claimed responsibilit and there has been no news of their whereabouts.

In a joint message, two Patriarchs of Antioch, Greek Orthodox Yohanna X and Siro Orthodox Mar Ignatios Aphrem II, appealed to the international community to remember them and take action to obtain their release.