Levantine National Council engages in wide-ranging dialogue tour to bolster the resilience of Syria’s Christians – SyriacPress

HMOTH, Syria — In pursuit of closer engagement with religious and community entities, a high-level delegation from the Levantine National Council (LNC) embarked on an extensive tour of key Christian institutions in Safita, Hmoth (Homs), and Al-Qusayr, aiming to address Christian community concerns and launch initiatives designed to reinforce local resilience. 
The delegation was led by LNC President Dr. Waddah al-Khoury accompanied by Dr. Joudat Ibrahim and Fadi Shahoud, the Council’s Vice Presidents, along with Ammar Salloum, head of the executive committee for Hmoth and the Valley of Christians, and members of the executive committee. 
The tour opened with a meeting with Archbishop Mor Georges Khawam at the Greek (Rûm) Catholic Archdiocese in Safita, where discussions focused on the harsh economic and social pressures confronting Christian families, and the need for cooperation between civic and ecclesiastical institutions to ease the burden and deepen the culture of perseverance and rootedness in the land.
The delegation then met with Father Issam Kasouha, pastor of Qusayr, who outlined the humanitarian and social challenges facing the area. Talks centered on return efforts, reconstruction priorities, and the restoration of essential services, with an emphasis on supporting returning families and rebuilding community fabric.
Another stop featured a dialogue with Father Murad Abu Seif at the Jesuit Fathers’ Monastery in Hmoth, who highlighted the historical contribution of the Jesuit order in education and social care. Both sides agreed on the importance of expanding youth programs and empowering young Christians to remain in their homeland and secure a stable livelihood.
Read Also: Levantine National Council meets Archbishop Mor Yahqub Mourad, unveils strategic vision for the future of Christians in Syria  
The tour concluded with a meeting with Pastor Maher Samaan at the Protestant Baptist Church, during which the participants stressed the importance of Christian unity in the face of shared challenges, and the vital pastoral and service-oriented role of churches in assisting vulnerable families, particularly in humanitarian and educational fields. 
At the close of the tour, al-Khoury affirmed that “the Levantine National Council is committed to working with all spiritual and social actors to guarantee a better present and a promising future for Christians in the region,” describing the initiative as “a first milestone in an ongoing practical journey” toward a brighter future for all Syrians.
By Dr. Amine Jules Iskandar | Architect, Teacher, President of the Syriac Maronite Union – Tur Levnon and …
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