10/14/2019 Syria (International Christian Concern) – As of a few weeks ago, Pope Francis blessed an icon on its way to the war-torn lands of Syria. Meant as a goodwill gesture and a consolation to the Christian populations in Syria, the piece will be touring around Syria, making stops in at each of the 34 Syrian Dioceses, beginning with Damascus.
The Icon of Our Lady of Syria of Sorrows is a depiction of Mary and Jesus painted by Greek Orthodox priest Spiridon Kabbash. The Pope himself recently blessed the icon in a closed ceremony in the Vatican, along with several thousand rosaries also to be sent to Syria. The icon’s dedication and sendoff to the Syria is part of an ongoing mission by the Catholic interest group, Aid to the Church in Need, to support the faithful there.
This goodwill measure is making an impact in the social landscape. In light of its history over the past decade, the lands of Syria are largely devoid of leadership, both inside and outside of the Church family. This icon and its dedication to the people of Syria speaks volumes to the joint care and concern the Catholic and Orthodox branches of the Faith are giving to the desperate, destitute populations of the land which used to be the cradle of Christianity.
Please be in prayer for peace and unity for those in need in Syria, and that in the wake of this recent act, a number further may come to know Christ.
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected].
