2014-03-10 15:53:14

Nuns freed after hostage ordeal arrive in Damascus


March 10, 2013 - Syria's state-run news agency says that Greek Orthodox nuns who were freed on Monday after being held hostage for more than 3 months by al-Qaida linked Syrian rebels have arrived in Damascus. The agency said that the 13 nuns reached the predominantly Christian neighborhood of Qassaa in the Syrian capital to a popular welcome by residents. One witness counted 13 nuns and three other workers from their convent. Associated Press reported the nuns were released early Monday in a rare deal between the Syrian government and rebels of the Nusra Front. About 150 imprisoned Syrian women will be released in exchange for the nuns' freedom. The nuns, along with 3 other women, were reportedly taken from their convent of Mar Thecla, in the Christian-dominated town of Maaloula, north of Damascus, during clashes on December 2. Two days later, Pope Francis in his weekly general audience appealed for prayers for the release of the nuns. (Source: AP







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