In honor of the first apostolic visit of His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II to Brazil, the Syrian Club in Belo Horizonte organized an official reception to celebrate this historical visit.
His Holiness was accompanied by their Eminences Mor Titus Boulos Touza, Syriac Orthodox Apostolic Nuncio in Brazil, Mor Selwanos Boutros Al-Nehmeh, Archbishop of Homs, Hama and Environs, Very Rev. Raban Joseph Bali, Patriarchal Secretary and Media Office Director, Very Rev. Fr. Paulo Milton and Very Rev. Raban Emanuel, priest of St. Peter Church in Belo Horizonte.
Mrs. Najwa Seif, President of the Syrian Club, welcomed His Holiness and the accompanying delegation and expressed her joy to receive His Holiness who is an eminent figure and a religious leader from the East. She thanked him for his role to support the Syrian people who are suffering in their country.
In turn, His Holiness thanked the Syrian community who gathered in the club and asked for their support to advocate for the Syrian people, especially Christians, to remain in their homeland. He spoke about the challenges of immigrants and how they feel uprooted from their natural environment; however, we are thankful for the people of Brazil for their welcome to all immigrants and for making them feel at home. In this way, they facilitate integration and adaptation to the new society.

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