Dialogue Forum in Al-Qaryatayn: To Enhance Community Cohesion

To enhance social cohesion and the principles of citizenship, such as cooperation and participation, this was the consensus among the participants in the dialogue forum held at the Monastery of (Mar Elian Al-Shekh ) in Al-Qaryatain. The event was organized by the Syriac Catholic Archdiocese of Homs in cooperation with the Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese.

Before a gathering that included representatives of Christian and Muslim religious leaders, locals from Al-Qaryatain and Sadad, as well as representatives from civil society, political, security, and local associations, Bishop Mar Yulian Yaqoub Murad emphasized the importance of opening hearts, lifting masks, and reducing negative tensions. He stressed that we all carry the message of spreading faith everywhere, alongside the values of love, mercy, truth, and peace. The bishop also urged Christians to return to Al-Qaryatain in parallel with ongoing restoration efforts.

The attendees highlighted the need to focus on capacity building, development, livelihoods, and finding mechanisms to confront the challenges facing Al-Qaryatain.

The event included a tour of the historic monastery, an inspection of the restoration works, and prayers at the tomb of the hermit saint