Situation of two Orthodox Archbishops abducted in Syria

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

The Council of Catholic Patriarchs of the East on April 28, 2013, issued a call of solidarity and prayer for Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Paul (Boulos) Yaziji and Syrian Orthodox Archbishop Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim. The two Orthodox Archbishops were abducted in Syria on April 22 while on a humanitarian mission. Following a call last week by Pope Francis for their release, the Canadian Ambassador for Religious Freedom, Dr. Andrew Bennett, also issued a statement condemning their abduction. Reports were circulating that the two Archbishops had been freed, but Asia News reported on April 29 that Orthodox and Catholic Church authorities continue to negotiate for their release.