Mr. Musa Darwish, the moderator of this distinguished evening, focused in his introductory remarks on Al-Liqa’ Center and its various activities since 1982.
H.B. Patriarch Sabbah, the Chairperson of Al-Liqa’s Board of Trustees, welcomed attendees and focused his words on Patriarch Sophronius and his relations with Caliph ‘Omar.
Bishop Atallah Hanna of the Greek Orthodox Church stressed the importance of the book and ‘Omar’s Covenant which is the base of shared living at this time when violence and massacres are committed in the name of Islam and Islam is totally innocent from it.
Dr. Prof. ‘Abd Al-Rahman ‘Abbad spoke on the importance of the book having read it before its publication.
Dr. Adnan Musallam who followed this work of Dr. Khoury, between 2010 and 2015, as he was researching and writing the book. Dr. Musallam stressed that this book is well documented and is going to be a great reference to researchers locally and throughout the world.
Dr. Peter Qumri stressed the importance of the work and pointed out some shortcomings that must be taken into account in the next edition of the book.
Dr. Khoury thanked everyone hoping that Dr. ‘Abbad will recover soon. He presented briefly his book and focused as well on Sophronius’ relation with Muslims and Islam and with Caliph ‘Omar. No doubt the Covenant was great development for the local church.
A question and an answer session followed.
Mr. and Mrs. Nader & Maha Saqa presented Dr. Geries with a shield for Dr. Geries’ great service to the local church and to his great work on Sophronius.
Dr. Khoury presented H. B. Patriarch Sabbah and Bishop Elias Shaccur copies of his book.
Refreshments followed.
