Ottawa Cathedral Fills for Mass for Peace in the Middle East

The Mass for Peace was organized by the Middle East Council of Churches, CNEWA Canada and the Fondation Bisonnette pour la Terre Sainte. Archbishop Marcel Damphousse of Ottawa-Cornwall presided at the liturgy. Christian leaders from several Eastern Churches joined the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič, in a visible expression of solidarity with communities affected by conflict and displacement.

For CNEWA Canada, the gathering was a reminder of the people behind each appeal for help. Through its local church partners, CNEWA accompanies families and communities across the Middle East with emergency assistance and long-term support. The prayers offered in Ottawa were joined to that continuing commitment to stand with those seeking safety, dignity and hope.

Archbishop Damphousse’s homily called those present to carry the prayer for peace beyond the cathedral. The gathering concluded with an opportunity for guests from different churches and communities to meet and speak together.

The Mass was broadcast by Noursat TV, which interviewed Dr. Adriana Bara, National Director of CNEWA Canada, alongside Bishop Paul-Marwan Tabet of the Maronite Catholic Eparchy of Canada and His Excellency Bachir Tawk, Ambassador of Lebanon to Canada.