Video series about Syria
Since the outbreak of armed conflict in Syria, Dr. Mary Mikhael has been interpreting the consequences of this tragedy for the Syrian and Lebanese people, particularly the Christian communities, on behalf of the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon. From 1994 to 2011, Dr. Mikhael was president of the Near East School of Theology (NEST), Beirut, Lebanon, the first woman seminary president in the Middle East. She served on the NEST faculty from 1984 until her retirement. She received her Masters degree from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia, and her EdD from Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary. A Presbyterian born in Syria to Greek Orthodox parents, Dr. Mikhael is active in ecumenical and interfaith initiatives. She is a noted authority on the church in the Middle East and the role of women in the church.
Dr. Mary Mikhael visited the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations on September 11, 2013, while in the United States in her role as interpreter for the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon and reflected on the situation in Syria.
►How you can help. Ways you can provide relief and seek peace for the people of Syria.
Insight into the crisis in Syria
Dr. Mary Mikhael of the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon shared information about the Syrian crisis and its effects on our partners and the citizens of Syria. Watch the series of videos to learn more and how you can help.
Photos by Paul Jeffrey, ACT
Can you provide an overview of events in Syria since March 2011 when protests started?
What has been the impact of the ongoing conflict in Syria and the region? How have Syrian Christians viewed these events?
How have NESSL (National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon) and churches in Syria responded to the people impacted by the violence?
Why is NESSL opposed to a military strike by the US?
How do Christians in Syria view President Assad’s regime?
Can you explain the difference between the various resistance groups?
What are your hopes? What can people do to support your efforts?
Mark Koenig, director of the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations, offers some thoughts on Dr. Mikhael's visits in New York and Washington, DC.
Ways you can provide relief and seek peace for the people of Syria
► Support the PC(USA)’s partnership with the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon.
► Give now to support the collaborative efforts of the Peacemaking Program and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) in PDA’s ongoing humanitarian response to the crisis in Syria.
► The PC(USA) Office of Public Witness has issued an Action Alert on Syria to oppose military action.
► More than 26,100 Gift of the Heart school kits have been sent to provide some of the basic supplies needed for children in refugee camps. Learn how to make the kits.
