MEP Anadiotis successfully submits resolution for the protection of the Greek Orthodox community (Rum) in Syria

 

Greek City Times

The resolution will be put up for discussion at the Conference of Presidents.

The initiative of Niki MEP Nikos Anadiotis for the protection of the Greek Orthodox community in Syria and the persecuted Christians of the Middle East successfully passed in the European Parliament.

A party announcement emphasized that "Nikos Anadiotis, with strong arguments, highlighted the systematic violence and the annihilation of historical Christian populations," adding that the MEP had collected more than 40 signatures from his colleagues, exceeding the required threshold of 36.

"The value of this success takes on even greater significance if we take into account that Mr. Anadiotis does not belong to any Eurogroup and did not have the support of strong party mechanisms," the announcement continued.

It added: “In the coming period, the resolution with the signatures will be put up for discussion at the so-called Conference of Presidents and, if approved there, will be put to a vote in plenary, paving the way for substantial European interventions: diplomatic measures, strengthening humanitarian aid and practical defense of religious freedom.”

“NIKI and Nikos Anadiotis prove that the voice of Greece can be heard loud and clear in Europe, when it expresses truth, faith and responsibility,” the briefing concluded.

On March 31, Nikos Anadiotis submitted a draft resolution to the European Parliament on the sectarian crimes in Syria and the ongoing persecution of the Greek Orthodox community (Rum) in the region.

Greek Orthodox Christians in Syria, part of the ancient Patriarchate of Antioch, face a precarious existence marked by displacement, targeted violence, and emigration due to continued sectarian attacks, especially since the ousting of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad and the imposition of former Al-Qaeda leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, commonly known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani.

While historically an integral part of Syria, the Greek Orthodox have seen significant population declines, with many fleeing insecurity and extremist threats, leaving the remaining vulnerable.

Greek Orthodox churches and communities have been targeted by extremist groups, including suicide bombings, such as the 2025 attack on the Mar Elias Church in Damascus, and the kidnapping of religious leaders.

Large numbers of Christians have been forced to flee their homes, with many seeking refuge in areas like Wadi al-Nasara (Valley of the Christians) or emigrating abroad, leading to a severely diminished community. 

The Romioi on the Floor of the European Parliament: A Recognition of Justice and a Cry Against Eradication

Sally Obeid 

Through the efforts of Greek Member of the European Parliament Nikos Anadiotis, a proposed resolution for the protection of the Greek Orthodox (Romioi) community in Syria has successfully entered the halls of the European Parliament after securing the required signatures.

Key points of the proposal:
Strongly condemns the ongoing violence, massacres, kidnappings, and abuses committed against the Greek Orthodox (Romioi) Christians in Syria.
Calls on the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, as well as the European External Action Service, to take immediate diplomatic steps to ensure the safety and security of Christian populations in Syria.
Urges the European Commission and Member States to prioritize increased humanitarian assistance for displaced members of the Romioi community.

Demands an independent international investigation into the crimes committed against religious minorities in Syria, in order to hold those responsible accountable.
Instructs the President of Parliament to forward this resolution to the European Council, the European Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

A message of gratitude and appreciation from the Romioi of Syria to MEP Nikos Anadiotis, and to all the other Members of Parliament especially the Greek representatives for championing the protection of the Romioi community in Syria. They have proven that the bond of blood and faith knows no borders, and that Greece will always remain the spiritual mother and steadfast supporter of it sons in the Levant.

See also

Κατατέθηκε το ψήφισμα της ΝΙΚΗΣ στο Ευρωκοινοβούλιο για την προστασία των Ορθοδόξων της Συρίας

Greek MEP Aims to Break EU Silence Regarding Christian Persecution in Syria

When the Romeoi (Rum) are persecuted, does Greece merely “follow the situation”? 

On behalf of the Rum of Syria, thank you, MEP @ANADIOTISNIKOS for standing up for our community

The Greek Orthodox community in Aleppo, Syria, needs protection now (Anadiotis, December 2024)

The Romeoi (Rum) of the Levant: Identity and a Concise Historical Overview

Articles about the Romeosyne in the site of Democratic Patriotic Popular Movement NIKI