Two days of prayer for Christians and Muslims in Syria

(October 29, 2011) In the wake of the Meeting of Religious Leaders with the Pope at Assisi, on Thursday, the monastic Community of Deir Mar Musa al-Habashi, in the Syrian desert organised two days of reflection, sharing and dialogue for both Christians and Muslims. The purpose was to enter into communion with the representatives of the great religions and non-believers of goodwill, who were recently assembled in Asissi on the invitation of Pope Benedict. These two Syrian days of prayer were entitled “Pilgrims of truth, pilgrims of peace”. In the painful situation of our country” explains the monks of Deir Mar Musa, we felt the need of shared responsibility to steer our country Syria on to the path of true peace, which assures respect for the dignity and integrity of every human being. We ardently wish that our call for peace and unity be heard. The Deir Mar Musa community welcomed the participants on Thursday to follow the live broadcast from Assisi with a commentary. Then in the evening after the prayer of Muslims and Christians, there was a moment of silent meditation followed by Mass. On Friday after morning prayer, there followed a dialogue on the theme of truth and peace. In the afternoon there were moments of meditation against the background of the desert surrounding the monastery.