Damascus-SANA
On the occasion of Christmas, the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East inaugurated a Christmas market under the title “People of Delight,” within the Syriac Martyrs’ Park “Sifu” in Bab Touma neighborhood in Damascus.
In a statement to SANA during the opening of the market, His Holiness Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church in the world, affirmed that these activities and celebrations constitute a message of love and peace to the world and contribute to spreading the spirit of Christmas, peace and love.
His Holiness Patriarch Aphrem II called for lifting the unjust siege on the Syrian people, indicating that the difficult conditions that Syria is going through, and the unjust economic war are no less ferocious and dangerous than the terrorist war, stressing that the Syrian people, with their steadfastness and rallying around their army and leadership, have proven their failure.
Patriarch Ephrem II wished that Syria would get out of this suffering and that joy would return to people and they would live the spirit of Christmas, love and peace.
Sawsan Sweiti, one of the saleswomen participating in the market, explained that the purpose of the market is to provide products to citizens at good prices and quality, hoping that loving hearts will thrive in these holidays. University student Maya, who came from the city of Baniyas to participate in Christmas celebrations, described the atmosphere as wonderful and enjoyable, and the prices are symbolic.
Attorney Samir Aho expressed his hope that joys would prevail in Syria and that Christmas would be a start for the better for all Syrians, while a number of attendees extended their greetings to all Syrians and that next year would be a blessed year, especially those wounded in defense of the homeland, the families of martyrs and those who cannot live the joy of Christmas.
The market includes the needs of Syrian families during the festive season, such as sweets, Christmas tree decorations, holiday hospitality, etc., in addition to cosmetics, cleaning materials, foodstuffs, food, drinks, handicrafts, and accessories, and contributes to drawing the joy of Eid on everyone's faces.
The visitor, Hana, explained that she went to the market to buy the necessary Eid hospitality and tree decorations to bring joy to the hearts of her children by buying Eid sweets and toys.
The opening of the market was attended by the Secretary of the Damascus Branch of the Arab Socialist Baath Party, Hossam Al-Samman, and the Deputy Head of the Executive Office in the Governorate of Damascus, Eng. Ali Al-Mubayed.
Emad Al-Daghli and Youssef Al-Haidar
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