H.G. Mar Aprem Nathniel Visits Damascus

His Grace Mar Aprem Nathniel, Bishop of Syria, has visited St George’s Parish in Damascus, Syria.

Parish priest Reverend Thomas Asitevo, along with various deacons and faithful, warmly welcomed His Grace Mar Aprem to their city on 28 November 2010.

In his sermon, His Grace addressed the faithful members of the Assyrian Church of the East in Damascus, updating them on the current state of local parishioners seeking a land to live in peacefully and building a strong foundation for the future of their children.

Encouragement, support and words of wisdom were shared humbly with those present, giving them the enthusiasm and courage to stay strong and have faith in the Lord through both rough and easy times.

Seeing as most of the members of St George’s Parish are immigrants from Iraq, they seek to find new homes in any western country offering to open doors for their future.

Again, His Grace urged patience and perseverance amongst the faithful, saying: “For faith and hope are important in living a life worthy to be called Christians, but above all is love. Love one another; love the law and love those that persecute you. An eye for an eye will take you no where but love will take you further than any imagination.”.

This spiritual lifting was well-needed, as emotions are still raw following the tragic bombing of Our Lady of Deliverance in Baghdad, Iraq, which killed more than 60 Christians.

The visit was concluded with affectionate speeches from church members that showed love to their spiritual father, His Grace Mar Aprem, for continuously guiding and encouraging them throughout the years.