Greek MP Calls on Foreign Minister to Act Urgently to Protect Greek Community in Aleppo

MP Miltos Chrysomallis of Greece’s ruling party, New Democracy (ND), has urged the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take immediate action to protect members of the Greek community in Aleppo, Syria, who are under threat from advancing jihadist forces.

In his statement, the MP for Messinia cited an appeal sent by the “Antiochian Greek Organization” to the Greek Ministry highlighting the dire and imminent threat the historic Christian Greek Community in Aleppo was facing.

The MP added the situation “demanded urgent intervention by the state,” adding decisive diplomatic initiatives should be undertaken by Greece “aimed at protecting our co-religionists and compatriots in a region with a deep Greek historical imprint. It is our historic duty.”

Chrysomallis’s call came on the heels of a letter from the Antiochian Greek Organization to Minister George Gerapetritis, which stated: “Although borders separate us, the blood spilled in Aleppo is the same bloodshed in Greece’s struggle for independence. It is the blood of our ancestors, who remained united as Greeks, Orthodox Christians, and defenders of Greek identity.”

The letter continued: “Today, the Christians of Aleppo stand alone. The regime has abandoned our neighborhoods, leaving us to face these challenges on our own. But we have not forgotten you. Even through centuries of persecution, we kept our faith alive, preserved our names, and upheld our Byzantine heritage. We have always remained loyal to Greece, even when it cost us dearly.”

It went on to describe the deep historical and cultural ties between Greece and the region: “We now call upon you, our brothers and sisters in faith and heritage, to act. Aleppo was once the largest Christian city in the Levant, a center of Greek culture, faith, and art. Do not let it fall. Use all of Greece’s diplomatic power to protect the Christians of Aleppo. Work with nations—Turkey, the United States, and others—to ensure the survival of this ancient community.”

The city of Aleppo has the highest number of Christians (Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholics, Assyrian Church of the East, etc.) in war-torn Syria.

An assortment of Salafi Islamist groups consisting of former Al Nusra and ISIS units along with anti-Assad groups backed by Turkey who were based in Idlib launched a surprise attack on Aleppo, entering the government-held city.

By November 30, these opposition forces had reportedly captured most of the city, marking the first major fighting in Aleppo since government forces took control from rebels in 2016.