NNA - Greak Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, John X Yazigi, presided Sunday over a Mass service dedicated to raising prayers for peace in Damascus and the release of the 2 kidnapped Bishops, Paul Yazigi and John Ibrahim, as well as the detained nuns at Mar Takla Monastery in Maaloula.

In his delivered sermon, Yazigi considered that dialogue is the sole means for the return of security, stability and peace to Syria. "Reconciliation and consensus reflect one meaning, namely that of true faith and living harmoniously with one other," he added.

"True faith is what unites Christians and Muslims," noted Yazigi, stressing that the difficult circumstances in the country shall only increase Syrians' attachment to their land, where they can live as a "one family" in peace and reassurance.

Yazigi urged all those concerned to work relentlessly towards the release of the kidnapped Bishops and detained nuns, calling on those connected directly or indirectly to the kidnapping to "listen to the voice of conscience."

The Patriarch also urged all sides to follow the approach of peaceful dialogue and exert huge efforts for restoring security and tranquility to Syria.



==================== R.Sh.