PHOTO: In solidarity with the Christian community of Syria, Philippine Embassy in Damascus Charge d’ Affaires Alex V. Lamadrid, along with the Embassy officers and staff graced the church’s rededication of St. Anthony Parish, a point of convergence of overseas Filipinos in Damascus every Sunday.

The church was rededicated on 23 October 2018 after it underwent renovation. 

A well-attended Holy Mass was held and co-celebrated by the International Custodian of the Holy Land Fr. Francesco Patton, St. Anthony Parish priest Fr. Fadi Azar, Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to Syria Cardinal Mario Zenari and other Roman Catholic priests to mark the occasion.

During the mass, the parish priest acknowledged the presence of CDA Lamadrid and expressed his gratitude to the Embassy and the Filipino community for their support to the church.

Cardinal Zenari congratulated the parishioners of St. Anthony’s for their hard work in reinvigorating the church, which has become the refuge of people of different races in Damascus.  (St. Anthony Parish Church, Damascus photo)