Syriac Orthodox Church in Lebanon Bombed

St. Mary's Church in Zahle, Lebanon, suffered a large explosion yesterday. Although no one has claimed responsibility for the attack against the Syriac Orthodox church many throughout Lebanon have condemned it as well as the abduction of Estonian tourists near Zahle last week. Despite the damage to the church Metropolitan Mor Yostinos Paulos of Zahle celebrated the Sunday Liturgy in the courtyard of the church. More here and here.

Metropolitan of Zahle Visits Damascus

Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I (Iwas) of Antioch received today Metropolitan Mor Yustinos and other representatives of the Patriarchal Vicariate of Zahle and Bekaa in Lebanon at his residence in Damascus. During the visit the the work of the vicariate in eastern Lebanon was discussed and Patriarch Mor Ignatius Zakka was invited to visit the area to bless its newest projects. More here.