NNA - Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rahi, expressed happiness at being today in the Syrian capital, Damascus, "to partake in the consecration of Patriarch John X, as a reflection of the depth of unity and friendship between the Maronite Church and the Greek Orthodox and all churches in Syria."



Patriarch Rahi's words came in an interview he accorded to National News Agency Correspondent in Damascus.



"I wanted on this occasion to pray with the worshippers here for the sake of tranquility and the return of the displaced people... as well as for peaceful and diplomatic solutions to all standing matters," Rahi told NNA.



He also told NNA that he is currently in Syria to jointly celebrate and pray with the Maronite community and the diocese there, for St. Maroun, who spent his life in Syria.



Rahi expressed contentment for having these two occasions together in his visit, voicing solidarity "with all those who are suffering in Syria."



"Our prayers and endeavors are everyday to see an end to the war and violence in Syria," Rahi said, hoping that peace, agreement and cooperation will be reached to find solutions to all standing matters.


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