King Charles said he is praying for Syria after the fall of dictator Bashar al-Assad's brutal regime to rebel forces. Charles was welcomed to an Advent Service celebrating the strength and courage of faith communities in London today, where he met religious leaders, Christian refugees and locals affected by homelessness. The service was called to specifically reflect on the 10th anniversary of the invasion of Mosul and the Nineveh, while highlighting the efforts of Aid to the Church in Need, working to help displaced Christians around the world.
Caroline Hall, director of the charity, told the congregation how the world "watched in horror" as the ancient city of Mosul fell to ISIS or Daesh forces a decade ago. She added "(they) attacked villages in the Nineveh plain sending over 100,000 Christians and other religious minorities fleeing for their lives" and creating refugee camps "filled to the brim".
Following a half hour service at The Catholic Church of The Immaculate Conception, led by parish priest Father Dominic Robinson, the King met specially selected groups by Aid to the Church in Need. In a side chapel, Charles shared a warm embrace with Sister Annie Demerjian, from the Syrian Catholic Church, who described a desperate situation in her homeland after the fall of the regime.
After their meeting, she said: "It is desperate but we are praying for a better future. It was an honour to meet His Majesty once again, he is the most humble man I have met in my life. "He remembered my name having met him a few years ago when I was in the UK, and he asked me about the situation in my country. He said he was praying for us, for all the people who have been displaced and find themselves battling against (the) odds. We are praying and we are hoping for a better future and we appreciate your King’s support.".
