The Voice of the suffering in Middle East

AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED (ACN) is embarking on a program of reconstruction and restoration in Syria, including in Aleppo, one of the cities that suffered some of the heaviest fighting in the country’s civil war. Among the seven projects for the physical reconstruction of the city there are three involving Catholic cathedrals, namely the Armenian Catholic, Maronite and Syriac Catholic cathedrals. They represent the riches of the Eastern rites in Aleppo, while at the same time symbolizing the ...

'We need further help to rebuild the [Christian] villages in the Nineveh Plains, destroyed by ISIS. We need that the government grows and improves its services. Finally, we want to put an end to corruption [and the activities of] militia."

“They do not want us to instruct pupils in the liturgical language, Syriac, and they do not want us to teach history because they prefer to drum their own history into the heads of pupils."

"During the war, we lived in difficult circumstances, especially as students. We studied by candlelight sometimes, not to mention the sounds of the explosions that were increasing our stress."

“It is my wish to remain in this land, despite all the difficult circumstances and disadvantages we have to deal with. I pray to God to realize this dream and to preserve my family, protect us and keep us safe.”

"The whole of the Middle East is being convulsed by violence, corruption and political upheaval. It is blighted by sin. It is Jesus who forgives these sins and heals the wounds. Who can give this restless and corrupt region Jesus other than the Christians? We are therefore not only Christians—but also disciples of forgiveness and love."