St Michael the Archangel Melkite Catholic Cathedral hosted an interfaith candlelight vigil on 19 March for the Syrians massacred in recent weeks, mostly members of the minority Alawite community who live on the nation’s coastline.
The event, advertised as an apolitical evening of Syrian solidarity and prayerful reflection, brought together Sydneysiders affected by the wave of violent killings in the country’s north-west.
Those in attendance at the vigil included friends and family of the victims, who contributed to a montage of their photos shown on the night.
Melkite priest Fr Georges Tadourian, Anglican priest Fr Dave Smith and others led the mourners in prayer, calling for a stop to the bloodshed and taking of innocent lives, especially on those who have been massacred for their religious beliefs.
“Bring stability to the nation so that its people may live their lives with dignity,” Fr Tadourian said.
“Pour out your love upon all so their hearts may be softened and their hands extended in friendship, may the barriers of fear and disgust be torn down, replaced by bonds of mutual respect and understanding.”
He prayed for a restoration of justice,
“May fairness and righteousness be found in every corner in Syria,” he said.
A number of speakers also addressed attendees, providing poetic reflections and lamentations about the emotional impact of the violence in the nation, and its cultural shifts over time.
The vigil concluded with candles lit in memory of the victims of the violence in Syria.
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