Christmas Message from Maronite Patriarchal Vicar

(Vatican Radio) As part of our continuing series of Christmas messages from Church leaders around the world, today we hear from Archbishop Paul Sayah, the Vicar General of the Maronite Patriarchate in Bkerke, Lebanon. Archbishop Sayah speaks of the “dramatic” and “tragic” conflict in neighbouring Syria and urges Christians in the Middle East to look to God for comfort and strength.

“Christmas is a time of hope; it’s a time of joy, a time to remember that God is love, that God is with us. And, it’s a time that calls upon us really to take courage. We cannot allow the situation to lead us into despair.”

Archbishop Sayah says Christians across the Middle East are calling for peace in a region in turmoil and urges the international community to bring the warring sides in Syria to the negotiating table for a peaceful end to the conflict.

Listen to Archbishop Sayah’s message for Christmas: