Patriarch Of Antioch Urges People To Spread Love, Pray For Peace Amid Rising Extremism

Patriarch of Antioch Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II on Wednesday called on people across the world to spread love and pray for peace amid rising extremism and growing suffering, saying it was the responsibility of all religious communities to work towards reconciliation.

The Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, who arrived in Keralam on Wednesday, said he was happy to visit the state once again.

Speaking to reporters at Nedumbassery airport, he described his visit as an important and historical occasion, as it marks the 150th anniversary of the first visit of the Patriarch of Antioch to Keralam.

"We are here to commemorate, pray and celebrate with our people and the people of Keralam for peace and reconciliation. Hopefully, by the end of our visit, we will celebrate our unity and faith and altogether hope for a better future, especially for the generations to come," he said.

The Patriarch said religious people had a collective responsibility to promote peace, reconciliation and love among communities, particularly at a time when extremism was on the rise across the world.

"At a time like this, when many people are suffering, especially because of rise of extremism, it is the duty of all of us to spread love and pray for peace in the world," he said.

Acknowledging that the world was going through difficult times, he expressed hope for a better future, describing people as those who should continue to hold on to hope despite challenges.

He also said he hoped the visit would touch people's hearts, particularly those of decision-makers, and inspire them to take steps that would benefit society.

The Jacobite Syrian Christian Church in India is an integral part of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, headed by the Patriarch of Antioch.