In an interview conducted by Suboro TV with His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East of the Syriac Orthodox Church, he announced his support for the campaign demanding official recognition of the Syriac language. He emphasized that Syriac is a sacred language that reflects identity and belonging, and that it is a duty to preserve it.
He noted that they have called on the relevant authorities to recognize Syriac as an official language in Syria, adding that they have received assurances from the Syrian government that the matter will be considered, similar to how other languages have been recognized in the past.
The Patriarch affirmed that Syriac is a foundational language of Syria and not a foreign or imported one. He stressed that the Syriac people are native to Syria and did not come from elsewhere. He also highlighted that Syriac is not exclusively a language of Christians, noting that there are Syriac speakers who are not members of the Church.
He concluded by expressing hope for an official recognition of this ancient language in the near future, and that it will be taught in public schools as one of Syria’s historic languages.
