“I rejoice to see this faithful, God-loving people. I will convey to the faithful in our country this wonderful image that I have seen here. Our churches in Syria are as old as the time when Christ walked upon the earth. Our faith remains steadfast regardless of the wars and persecutions taking place there. Of course, there is great suffering, and many of our churches and monasteries have been burned and emptied. Yet we have great hope that God is with us and that you remember us in your prayers.