Issued by the Catholic Center for Studies and Media - Jordan. Editor-in-chief Fr. Rif'at Bader - موقع أبونا abouna.org

Published on Monday, 20 January 2025
When will the mystery of abducted Aleppo archbishops Yohanna Ibrahim, Paul Yazigi be solved?

By Munir Bayouk/en.abouna.org :

With the recent dramatic developments in Syria that led to a change in the ruling system, large masses of Syrian prisoners were set free.

 

Amidst the release of thousands of people from the prisons of Syria, attention is focused on the mysterious disappearance of Archbishops of Aleppo, namely Yohanna Ibrahim and Paul Yazigi who were reportedly abducted in April 22, 2013. On that day, they were seized by a terrorist group in the village of Kfar Dael on the road to Aleppo from the rebel-held Bab al Hawa crossing with Turkey as they were “carrying out humanitarian work”.

 

The two prominent Syrian archbishops had earlier warned of the threat to religious tolerance and diversity conflict that was wreaking havoc in their country. Archbishop Yazigi said that what was important was that the uprisings known as the “Arab Spring” should not jeopardize centuries of religious diversity in the Middle East.

 

With the dust gradually settling in Syria, questions arise about dormant efforts to determine the fate of the two abducted men of God on Earth, namely the two Syrian clergymen. Furthermore, with the elapse of several years following their abduction, prayers are still offered pleading with the Almighty Lord for their safety. Their disappearance gives courage to the faithful to continue to emulate them by spreading the message of love and peace which the two missing bishops have called for so as to defeat evil and set the stage for a bright future for humanity.

 

The message of love and peace in the service of humanity spread by Syriac Orthodox and Greek Orthodox Archbishops of Aleppo, Yohanna Ibrahim and Paul Yazigi will remain a shining one that calls for  spreading the Holy Bible's message for fraternal love that blossoms goodness and hope.

 

As we plead with Lord Jesus Christ for the safety of archbishops Yohanna Ibrahim and Paul Yazigi, prayers are also offered for peace to spread in the Middle East and the entire world.