Memory Eternal

The body of the Greek Orthodox Priest Fr. Fadi Jamil Haddad, pastor of the church of St.
Elias in Qatana, was found today in the Jaramana neighborhood (north of Damascus)
not far from the place where he was kidnapped, on October 19, by unidentified armed
group. This was confirmed to the Fides News Agency by Fr. Haddad’s Greek Orthodox
confrere, who asked for anonymity. "His body was horribly tortured and his eyes
gouged out," he told Fides. "It is a purely terrorist act. Fr. Haddad is a martyr of our
church. "
With regards to the responsibilities of the terrible act there is an ongoing rebound of
responsibilities between the opposition forces and government authorities, that accuse
the armed gangs of armed rebellion in the army. According to Fides sources, the
kidnappers had asked the priest’s family and his church a ransom of 50 million Syrian
pounds (over 550 thousand euro). It was, however, impossible to find the money and
meet this exorbitant demand. A source of Fides condemns "the terrible practice,
present for months in this dirty war, of kidnapping and then killing innocent civilians."
Among the various Christian communities in Syria, the Greek Orthodox is the largest
(with about 500 thousand faithful) and is concentrated mainly in the western part of
the country and in Damascus. (Agenzia Fides 25/10/2012)
Lord Have Mercy
Please remember Fr Fadi Jamil Haddad in your prayers together with all our
brothers and sisters in Syria and Lebanon
Our Deanery continues to collect money to help the people of Syria ~
there is a collection box at the back of church
Please give all you can