Syria, February 8, 2023
south.euneighbours.eu
Following the devastating earthquakes that wrought mass destruction, killing and wounding thousands throughout Turkey and Syria 
Massive earthquake destroys churches, kills 100s in Turkey, SyriaThe quake, among the strongest to hit the region in 100 years, brought numerous buildings tumbling down, trapping many unfortunate people inside.
“>on Monday, His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East and other Syrian church leaders are calling for an end to the sanctions against Syria, so that the suffering people can get the help they need in this exceedingly difficult time.
The leaders “appeal to the conscience of all the people of good will to advocate on behalf of the Syrian in order to put an end to their misery and enable them to live in dignity as envisioned by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” and call on governments and other organizations to send speedy relief to the Syrian people.
The statement, signed by Pat. John, Patriarch II Aphren Ignatius of the Syriac church, and Patriarch Joseph I of the Melkite church and the heads of other churches in Syria, reads:
Lift the Embargo on the Syrian People
Following the earthquake which struck northern Syria on Monday February 6, 2023, thousands of Syrians lost their lives, many churches, institutions and homes were destroyed and a large number of families were displaced.
This natural disaster adds to the ordeal of the Syrian people, who continue to suffer from the tragedies of war, crises, disasters, epidemics, and the harsh economic hardships resulting from inflation, the absence of indispensable materials, medications, and daily basic necessities needed in order for people to survive and live in dignity.
We, the three patriarchs with the heads of churches in Syria, demand from the United Nations and the countries imposing sanctions on Syria to lift the embargo and the unjust sanctions imposed on the Syrian people, and to take exceptional measures and immediate initiatives to secure the delivery of the much needed relief and humanitarian aid. We also appeal to the conscience of all the people of good will to advocate on behalf of the Syrian in order to put an end to their misery and enable them to live in dignity as envisioned by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
We pray for the victims and their families, asking the Lord to grant rest to the souls of the departed and recovery to the wounded. We, likewise, pray for all those working in the fields of relief, rescue, and hospitalization. We appeal to the governments, international organizations, NGOs, charities, and peace advocates everywhere to expedite the support of relief and rescue efforts, irrespective of any political consideration
Damascus, February 7, 2023
Yesterday, OrthoChristian reported on ways to 
Donate to Syrian and Turkish earthquake victimsTwo devastating earthquakes hit Turkey and Syria yesterday, killing and injuring thousands, and destroying hundreds of buildings, including a number of Orthodox churches.
“>donate to relief efforts via the Antiochian Metropolis of Germany and Central Europe and International Orthodox Christian Charities, 
Antiochian Archdioceses of North America and British Isles launch earthquake relief fundsDonations can be made with all major credit cards.”>and today on how to donate via the Archdioceses of North America and the British Isles and Ireland.
Antiochian Patriarchate
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