Orthodox Bishops Abducted near Aleppo in Northern Syria

Baltimore, MD (April 24, 2013) — Metropolitan Paul Yazigi of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo and Metropolitan Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim of the Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo were both abducted on Monday, April 22nd, near Aleppo in northern Syria, while carrying out humanitarian work unrelated to International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC). Their driver, a church deacon, was killed during the abduction.

IOCC will continue its humanitarian relief activities in Syria, but is monitoring the situation closely through its church partner, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch (GOPA).

We ask everyone to please pray for the safe return of Metropolitan Paul, and Metropolitan Gregorios.

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IOCC is the official humanitarian aid agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America. Since its inception in 1992, IOCC has delivered $438 million in relief and development programs to families and communities in more than 50 countries. IOCC is a member of the ACT Alliance, a global coalition of more than 130 churches and agencies engaged in development, humanitarian assistance and advocacy.