St Michael the Archangel Melkite Catholic Cathedral hosted a candlelight vigil on 19 March for the Syrians massacred in recent weeks, mostly civilian members of the minority Alawite and Christian communities who live on the nation’s coastline.
The evening of prayerful reflection brought together Sydneysiders affected by the wave of violent killings in the country’s north-west.
There are reports that up to 1000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed since 6 March amid heavy clashes in Syria.
Those in attendance at the vigil in inner-Sydney included friends and family of the victims, who contributed to a montage of their photos shown on the night.
Melkite priest Fr Gerges Al Butros, Anglican priest Fr Dave Smith and others led the mourners in prayer, calling for a stop to the bloodshed and taking of innocent lives, especially of those who have been massacred for their religious beliefs.
“Pour out your love upon all so their hearts may be softened and their hands extended in friendship, may the barriers of fear and disgust be torn down, replaced by bonds of mutual respect and understanding,” Fr Al Butros said.
He prayed for a restoration of justice, so those who have been killed and their loved ones across the globe may find peace and restitution.
“May fairness and righteousness be found in every corner in Syria,” he said.
A number of speakers also addressed attendees, providing poetic reflections and lamentations about the emotional impact of the violence in the nation, and its cultural shifts over time.
One poem was from the perspective of an Australian-born Alawite woman who hailed from the Latakia region of Syria.
The poem highlighted all the moments of meaning tied to the region— falling in love and getting married, having a child, learning the cultural heritage, enjoying its natural beauty, and memorialising the way the region once was before the violence.
The vigil concluded with candles lit in memory of the victims of the violence in Syria.
23 March: Article was updated to correctly identify the Melkite priest, Fr Gerges Al Butros and address other inaccuracies.