Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
January 6, 2010 Wednesday

Azzam Congratulates Armenian Orthodox Denomination on Occasion of Christmas

Damascus, (SANA) – Minister of Presidential Affairs Mansour Azzam on
Wednesday congratulated the Armenian Orthodox denomination that
follows the Eastern calendar on the occasion of Christmas.Azzam
visited Primate of the Armenian Orthodox Diocese of Damascus Bishop
Armash Nalbandian, relaying the season’s greetings from President
Bashar al-Assad to the Bishop and members of the Armenian Orthodox
denomination.For his part, Bishop Nalbandian thanked President
al-Assad for his kind gesture, praying that God protect Syria and
grant President al-Assad success.A religious ceremony was also held at
the Mar Sarkis Church for the Armenian Orthodox Diocese of Damascus on
the same occasion, presided upong by Bishop Nalbandian who discussed
the noble meanings of Christmas."Our hearts are in great pain during
our celebration of this great occasion today over the wounds and
desecration that Jerusalem, the land of purity and sanctity, is
witnessing at the hands of the Israeli occupation, and over the pain
that our brethren are suffering in Palestine and the pious martyrs
they are offering to defend the land and sanctities," Bishop
Nalbanidan said in his sermon.He also pointed out to the deep-rooted
national unity in Syria, praying that God preserve President
al-Assad.H. Sabbagh