Inauguration of Sayfo Monument in Norrkoping

On September 21, 2021, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II inaugurated a Sayfo Monument in Norrkoping, Sweden.‎‏His Holiness was accompanied by their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Julius Abdelahad Shabo, Archbishop of Sweden and Scandinavia, Mor Dioscoros Benjamin Atas, Patriarchal Vicar in Sweden, Mor Dionysius Issa Gurbuz, Patriarchal Vicar in Switzerland and Austria, Mor Philoxenus Mattias Nayis, Patriarchal Vicar in Germany, Mor Polycarpus Augin Aydin, Patriarchal Vicar in Holland, and Mor Joseph Bali, Patriarchal Secretary and Media Office Director.The event was attended by Mr. Lars Stjarnkvist, the Mayor of Norrkoping, Mr. Lars Adaktusson, former Member of the European Parliament, and other dignitaries who spoke about the Syriac Genocide Sayfo After welcoming His Holiness, the Mayor spoke about the different stages of the construction of the Sayfo monument which represents a saf memory of the persecutions of the Christians in the beginning of the last century.After unveiling the monument, His Holiness reminded of the painful events of the Syriac Genocide Sayfo and pointed out that these events were always brought to the minds of the Syriac people because the families tell their younger generations the memories related to the emigration of our ancestors from their villages and cities because they refused to let go of the faith. He added that the Syriac Church designated 15 june to commemorate the Syriac Martyrs of Sayfo so that the faithful are always reminded of the courage and sacrifice of the martyrs defending the apostolic faith. At the end of the inauguration ceremony, His Holiness prayed the service of the Martyrs and laid a red rose symbolizing the respect and high esteem of the church for the martyrs of Sayfo.

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