Project of the Week – Syria

A vehicle for a parish hit by the earthquake In February 2023, a powerful earthquake struck the region of Southern Turkey and Northern Syria. At least 50,000 people died, and a large number of buildings were destroyed. Among the areas most hard-hit was the city of Aleppo in Syria, already devastated by the civil war …

Syria – Successors to kidnapped bishops live in hope. “Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

Metropolitan Ephraim Maalouli and Archbishop Mor Boutros Kassis, who lead the Greek Orthodox and Syriac Orthodox communities in Aleppo, Syria, insist that Christians live in hope and continue to feel the presence and inspiration of their two predecessors, abducted by Islamist militants 10 years ago. Christians in Syria, and more specifically in the city of …

Syria – “You journeyed with our suffering people until death”

A moving tribute to Father Imad Daher, who died in the 6 February earthquake in Aleppo, Syria, written by a childhood friend. Sister Jacky Abinassif is from Majd el Meouch, in Lebanon, and knew Father Imad Daher well. “He was a friend of my family – he was our neighbour – and a close friend …

Syria – Green light to rebuild homes damaged by the earthquake

Churches in Syria are pressing ahead with projects to repair homes hit by last month’s devastating earthquakes that affected Southern Turkey and Northern Syria, claiming the lives of more than 50,000 people.  And Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has committed to providing more than 718 980 CAD in aid to help Christians …

Pope Francis, 10 years in solidarity with persecuted Christians

This past Wednesday, March 8, the Holy Father met with two young Nigerian Christians who were victims of jihadist persecution. (Cover photo: Pope Francis in Iraq, March 2021). On the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ pontificate, Pontifical Charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) highlights the Holy Father’s closeness to Christians who suffer persecution …

Aid to the Church in Need sends close to $700,000 in immediate aid to Syria

Press Release – For Immediate Release Königstein-Montreal, February 10, 2023 – Despite the horror caused by the earthquake that devastated large parts of Northern Syria, there are signs of hope, especially in the way Syrians have come together in a show of unity and solidarity not seen since before the Syrian Civil War. Pontifical Charity …

ACN Canada, part of a Catholic call to action for Syria

Ottawa, February 10, 2023: With the support of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), Aid to Church in Need (ACN), Canadian Jesuits International (CJI), Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) Canada, and Development and Peace-Caritas Canada (DPCC) are launching an emergency aid campaign in response to the destructive earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria …

Syria – Less than one minute was worse than 12 years of war

Shocked and with their houses destroyed or damaged, many families have taken to sleeping in churches, convents, or even hospitals. Faced with yet another tragedy, Syrians ask for an end to sanctions. Syria has been at war for almost 12 years but for many people in Aleppo and other cities that were affected, the devastating …