Islam and Christianity in Syria
DAMASCUS- The Minister of Awqaf (Religious Endowments), Mohammad Abdul-Sattar al-Sayyed on Tuesday, highlighted the importance of spreading the culture of dialogue and exchange of ideas and strengthening the concept of religious fraternity and its role in spreading peace, security and stability in the world. "What brings the Syrians together is their love for homeland and honest commitment and loyalty to its principles," said al-Sayyed, noting that this was further consolidated through the values and beliefs of Islam and Christianity. Minister said Syria has had a significant role in building the human civilization and adding to its prosperity. Al-Sayyed's remarks came during a meeting with Mar Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, Patriarch of Antioch an All the East, Supreme Head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church, and Ieronymos II, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, at Mar Afram Monastery of the Assyrian Church. Patriarch Iwas, for his part, underscored the importance of the visit of Archbishop Ieronymos II in activating cooperation relations between the churches in Syria and Greece. Archbishop Ieronymos II, in turn, agreed with Patriarch Iwas on the significance of enhancing dialogue and sharing ideas between the churches in the two countries in a spirit of amity to serve the interests of their friendly peoples.