1. Hauran in crisis
A CALL TO PRAYER
Adapted from a report by Monk Paul,
And a message from Metropolitan SABA
2. Hauran in crisis
A message from Metropolitan SABA,
May 18, 2012
“I want to thank you for every thing
you get tired [doing] for the sake of my
diocese. Really the diocese is passing ,
like the whole people of my country,
[through a] very hard and exceptional
time. So your prayers can help and
support us [so very] much.”
3. HAURAN in crisis
• Charitable acts by Christian organizations
are officially forbidden by the Syrian
government, but they are so desperately
needed that the local officials turned a blind
eye to Metropolitan SABA’s kindergarten,
clinic, and food pantry.
• During last year’s building tensions, those local
officials closed the kindergarten and the
Bread for All program. They did this to appear
to be following the letter of the law in the eyes of
the zealot fringe.
4. HAURAN IN CRISIS
• But, His Eminence could not turn his
back on the need, and the kindergarten is
still running in a low key way.
• Bread for All is still helping to supply the
desperate and increasing needs of the
growing numbers of poor.
5. Hauran in crisis
• The Clinic was not affected since it is run
by a social organization.
6. Hauran in crisis
• For income, Metropolitan SABA opened a small
hotel and student dorms. With the hostilities there,
tourism has ceased, causing income to stop.
• The dormitories are still open, but many students
have returned home, and those that have stayed are
unable to pay.
7. Hauran in crisis
• Many churches are shuttered on
Fridays since most violence
occurs on this Muslim holy day.
• Fridays are a day of rest in
t the country, so most Christians
celebrate Liturgy on Fridays,
s since they have to return to
work on Sundays.
• Christians are forced to stay away
from gatherings for worship, for
fear for their lives.
8. Hauran in crisis
• Recently, the Syrian pound was devalued.
• Added to this, international sanctions have
been imposed by the United Nations.
• His Eminence is generally forced to wait three
days to collect funds from his own account.
• As violence increases, these restrictions will
worsen and prices will climb higher, making day
to day existence extremely difficult.
9. Hauran In crisis
• What can we do?
• Pray for Metropolitan SABA - for his
health and endurance - as he deals
with pressures from without, and
needs from within the Church!
10. Hauran in crisis
• Pray for the faithful in Hauran - for their
protection during these hostile times, and for
their daily needs.
• Give generously to The Hauran
Connection, the Sister Diocese program
between the Diocese of Wichita and Mid-
America and the Archdiocese of Bosra-
Hauran.
11. Hauran in crisis
And know that this service you perform is
not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s
people but is also overflowing in many
expressions of thanks to
God. [2 Corinthians 9:12]