King Charles, 76, attended a special Advent service in London today, where he shared his support for Syria amid the ongoing crisis in the region.
The service, held at the Catholic Church of The Immaculate Conception, also known as Farm Street Church, focused on the strength and resilience of faith communities, particularly in the wake of the devastation caused by conflicts.
During the event, Charles met with religious leaders, Christian refugees, and individuals impacted by homelessness.
Reflection on Mosul’s Tragedy
The service commemorated the 10th anniversary of the fall of Mosul and Nineveh to Isis forces, a moment that shocked the world.
Caroline Hall, the director of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), spoke to the congregation about the horrors that unfolded when the ancient city fell.
ACN has been working tirelessly to support displaced Christians around the globe, helping those whose lives have been uprooted by violence and persecution.
A Heartfelt Encounter
Following the service, King Charles had the opportunity to meet several groups supported by ACN.
In a quiet moment in a side chapel, he embraced Sister Annie Demerjian, a representative of the Syrian Catholic Church.
She spoke of the dire situation in her homeland after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Sister Demerjian expressed her gratitude to the King for his prayers and support, sharing that the situation remains desperate, but that the people are holding onto hope for a better future.
“It was an honor to meet His Majesty again,” she said, recalling their previous encounter in the UK.
“He remembered my name, and asked about my country’s situation. He said he was praying for us, for all the displaced people struggling against the odds.”
Gifts of Gratitude
During their meeting, Sister Demerjian presented King Charles with a honey cane from Syria as a token of appreciation for his ongoing support.
She also shared the personal story of her family, who fled Syria due to the violence brought on by Isis.
Her daughter, Sofia, who began painting in school, presented the King with a powerful oil painting depicting the trauma of war.
The King admired the artwork, calling it “extraordinary,” and spoke with the family about their struggles and journey to safety in the UK.
Despite the challenges of settling in a new country, the family expressed their deep gratitude for the King’s support, emphasizing how much his recognition means to them.
The King’s Support for Iraq
The King’s visit highlighted his continued commitment to supporting those who have suffered due to invasions and displacement.
Dr. Caroline Hull, national director of ACN UK, praised the King for his unwavering compassion toward those affected by conflict.
She noted that, throughout his time as Prince of Wales and now as King, Charles has made a point to hear the personal stories of the afflicted faithful.
A Busy Period for the Monarch
This appearance was just one of many public engagements for the King, who has been balancing his royal duties with personal moments of joy.
Recently, he was seen laughing at the Royal Variety Show, where he enjoyed performances from some of the biggest stars in entertainment, including Sir Elton John.
Despite the busy schedule, the King’s dedication to supporting those in need remains unwavering.