(BBC) Gunmen abduct two bishops in northern Syria

Militants in a rebel-held area of northern Syria have abducted two bishops travelling from the Turkish border back to the city of Aleppo.

The kidnapping was reported by Syrian state media and confirmed by a member of the official opposition leadership.

Yohanna Ibrahim is head of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Aleppo and Boulos Yaziji leads the Greek Orthodox Church in the city.

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Posted in * Culture-Watch, * International News & Commentary, * Religion News & Commentary, Middle East, Orthodox Church, Other Churches, Religion & Culture, Syria, Violence

3 comments on “(BBC) Gunmen abduct two bishops in northern Syria

  1. Jill Woodliff says:

    Prayer.

  2. New Reformation Advocate says:

    Thanks, Jill.

    Christians need to stand together. As the article notes, Syria’s population includes a substantial Christian minority of roughly 10%, a proportion comparable to that of Egypt. But they are highly vulnerable, as Syrian society continues to be torn apart by this terrible civil war. Barnabas Aid is one international Christian relief agency that is doing valiant work in this dire situation.

    David Handy+

  3. New Reformation Advocate says:

    Update: Prayers for the release of the two Orthodox bishops have been answered. Thanks be to God. It seems that they were captured by a Chechen group of rebels linked to al-Qaeda. But the beleagured Christian minority in Syria still needs our prayers and support.

    David Handy+