Dec. 19, 2018

The following is a correspondence from Bishop Antoine Chbeir, bishop of Latakia, Syria. The Diocese of Ogdensburg has been engaged in a “Solidarity in Faith” partnership with the Syrian diocese, offering support and prayers to the war-torn Syrian diocese.

Bishop Terry,
Thank you very much for your lovely Christmas card putting Syrian Christians in the spot light; Bishop Gregory Mansour was the first one to point it out.

I hope everybody is doing well, in particular your clergy.

I am profoundly touched by your gesture. You are bringing to Syrians a lot of consolation, support, comfort and relief.

I cannot help but ask Christmas Child to bring to you and your people joy, peace, serenity and times of great blessings.

I will remember you, your clergy and faithful at Christmas Mass, in particular the sick. May the souls of the deceased ones rest in peace!

Please know that you, your clergy and faithful are always in our thoughts and prayers. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Bishop Antoine Chbeir