Vandalism in syrian church prompts 'miracle of reconciliation'

[Bill Mattocks]

I found this story on the Zenit website. That's a news agency based in Rome that mostly follows the Catholic church news. This news story is not being widely reported, but it should be. Not about Roman Catholics, but rather The Greek Orthodox Church in Syria and local Muslim militia members who are currently fighting the Syrian government.

http://www.zenit.org/article-36018?l=english

ACT OF VANDALISM IN SYRIAN CHURCH PROMPTS 'MIRACLE OF RECONCILIATION'

Christians and Muslims Show Unity and Solidarity in the Midst of Violence

QARA, Syria, NOV. 23, 2012 (Zenit.org).- An act of vandalism in the Syrian town of Qara has changed into a story of forgiveness and reconciliation.
According to a Fides News Agency report, the 6th century church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, located in the diocese of Homs in Western Syria was desecrated by vandals on November 19th. The thieves stole over twenty 18th and 19th century icons, ancient manuscripts and vestments. The altar of the church was also desecrated and a 12th century fresco of the "Madonna del Latte" was ruined during the theft.
As news of the vandalism spread throughout Qara, which is under the control of Syrian opposition forces, a strong solidarity movement developed. Heads of families, tribal leaders, Muslim leaders and other denominations came to visit the church to express their solidarity towards the Greek Catholic priest Fr. Georges Luis. Christians and Muslims in Qara also gathered in prayer vigils, displaying a sign of unity in the aftermath of the theft.
...
In the morning, a truck with masked men arrived at the Church and asked to meet Fr. Georges. The Greek Orthodox priest explained to Fides what the men told him: "We do not appreciate what our companions have done. Please forgive us. We are one community, one people, one nation. Your safety is ours. You are under our responsibility."
Most of the stolen items - otherwise destined for the market of smuggling - were returned, with great joy and relief on behalf of everyone. Fr. Georges served Arabic coffee to the guests and many other people in the neighborhood joined the convivial moment.

 

[Sukerkin]

Humanity amongst the chaos - it's usually still there and I believe happens much more than we think. Sadly, for reasons best known to the media, they don't think it makes for a good 'story' when in fact those are just the sort of things we need to hear about.

 

[arnisador]

I'm all for good news!

 

[WC_lun]

This is indeed a cool story.