This event took place on Feb 4, 2005, during the Vesper Prayer presided over by Their Beatitude Ignatius IV, Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and Gregorius III, Melkite Catholic Patriarch, where they prayed together and fulfilled the ceremonial inauguration of the new Church of St. Peter and St. Paul erected in Dumar  Habitat Project. The Alter was equipped according to the Tradition with the attendance of an enthusiastic crowd, in which participated religious, political and diplomatic figures and a large number of clergy from both communities.

In the speech addressed on this occasion, Patriarch Ignatius said: “…Christ is, in the first instance, for all people, this is the true  unity…We are living now a reality which is above all words and speeches, a reality symbolized by our presence together, Patriarch Gregorius and myself, in this same place for the launching of this common Church…”

Patriarch Ignatius saluted the memory of   late Patriarch Maximus, and paid high tribute to the efforts exerted by Bishop Isidor Battikha, the Catholic Patriarchal Vicar, and expressed deep gratitude for the donation by Eng. Habib Beitinjaneh, who contributed in the greatest part of the implementation costs of the church. Eng. Beitinjaneh was granted the decoration of St. Peter and St. Paul Medal, from the rank of Great Officer.

In return, Patriarch Gregorius  said in his speech : “ the inauguration of this church is one of most beautiful news  now spreading from the Church of Antioch, the good news of brotherhood, communion and partnership …From Antioch, from Damascus the message of unity is launched to the devised world, it is a beginning and a follow up…” He recalled the long history  of painful divisions and the fruitful results of reconciliation,  love and cooperation between the churches of Antioch . He also acknowledged with deep thanks the efforts of all those who contributed in the fulfillment of this meaningful project.  Eng. Beitinjaneh was granted the Medal of Jerusalem.

Finally, Eng. Beitinjaneh exposed the long journey which led to this achievement , expressing gratitude to the contributions of all parties who worked to this end, above all the Syrian Government that granted the earth on which the church was built. He expressed high esteem and gratitude to the President, Dr. Bashar Al Assad who  reiterates permanently that Syria is the Cradle of Christianity…He also described the different parts of the building, especially those in which Christian education will be given…

(A full coverage of this event with a comprehensive description of the Church building will be read in the second issue of “ Al Nashra”. )