Homs, July 19 (SANA) Apostolic Nuncio to Syria Archbishop Luigi Roberto Cona joined hundreds of worshippers, clergy and local officials on Saturday for the Feast of St. Elias at the Monastery of St. Elias in the village of Jousieh, in the Qusayr countryside of Homs province.
Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch Joseph Absi also attended the celebration, which featured prayers and religious hymns highlighting the values of peace, love and coexistence.
Jaber Lious, Episcopal Vicar General of the Melkite Greek Catholic Archeparchy of Homs, Hama and Yabroud, said the participation of the Vatican envoy alongside Patriarch Absi gave the event added spiritual significance.
“The celebration reflects the return of normal life to the region and reinforces the values of love, harmony and unity among the local community,” Lious told SANA.
Qusayr District Director Hassan Mohieddine said the visit marked Archbishop Cona’s first trip to the area since assuming his diplomatic post in Syria, describing it as a message of peace and an opportunity to showcase the security and stability the region is experiencing.
Participant Fadi Elias Nakhleh said the celebration brought together residents in an atmosphere of joy and spirituality, adding that the Vatican envoy’s visit symbolized hope, reconciliation and solidarity inspired by the legacy of St. Elias.
The annual Feast of St. Elias is one of the region’s prominent religious celebrations and this year’s event highlighted the values of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and community solidarity.
R.D/ABD
