In Easter message, Greek Orthodox Patriarch says Syria's Christians won't yield to extremists

Damascus, Syria, April 21, 2014

The Greek Orthodox Patriarch in Syria says Christians in the war-ravaged country "will not submit and yield" to extremists who attack "our people and holy places."

In comments to mark Easter, Patriarch John Yazigi called on the warring sides to end the practice of "intimidation, displacement, extremism and takfiri mentality," a term for Islamic extremists. Such radicals have become increasingly influential among rebels, attacking Christians who they see as infidels and partly as punishment for what they consider Christians' support for President Bashar Assad.

Yazigi's message was carried by Syria's official news agency late Saturday.

Christians represent about five per cent of Syria's population. Assad's forces and rebels trying to overthrow him are locked in a civil war in which more than 150,000 people have been killed.

FOX News

4/22/2014

See also
Growing persecution of Christians by radical islamists in north Syria Growing persecution of Christians by radical islamists in north Syria Growing persecution of Christians by radical islamists in north Syria Growing persecution of Christians by radical islamists in north Syria
Christians in the regions of north Syria, controlled by insurgents, are faced with growing persecution by radical islamists. U.S. intelligence chief James Clapper: Syria is ‘an apocalyptic disaster’ U.S. intelligence chief James Clapper: Syria is ‘an apocalyptic disaster’ U.S. intelligence chief James Clapper: Syria is ‘an apocalyptic disaster’ U.S. intelligence chief James Clapper: Syria is ‘an apocalyptic disaster’
The top U.S. intelligence chief said on Tuesday the war in Syria had created an “apocalyptic disaster” and said he was convinced that documents alleging torture and murder in the conflict were authentic. We must stand up for Middle East's persecuted Christians We must stand up for Middle East's persecuted Christians We must stand up for Middle East's persecuted Christians We must stand up for Middle East's persecuted Christians
Christianity began in the East, not the West, yet today Christians in the East are enduring an all-out-assault by Islamic terrorists, while Christians in the West live their lives largely oblivious to it all.
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