CWN - Syrian Orthodox Patriarch Ignatius Ephrem II has stated his support for Russian military actions in Syria, and urged the US and its allies to stop funding rebel groups.

The Orthodox prelate, who is in Moscow this week to meet with both Russian Orthodox officials and government leaders, said that the continued fighting in Syria is driving Christians out of the country and providing opportunities for terrorist advances. About 30% of the country’s Christian population has fled, he said. “They are fleeing from terrorism,” he added.

"We believe that Russia’s intervention has brought hope to all the Syrian people,” Patriarch Ignatius Ephrem said. He said that Russia is playing the part of peacemaker, while the US and other European countries are funding extremists groups and thereby continuing the bloodshed.

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