Middle East cleric discusses plight of Christians in the Middle East at Village Church

A Protestant pastor from Damascus, Syria, The Rev. Boutros Zaour, appeared Aug. 16 at the Village Community Church in Rancho Santa Fe. Zaour spoke on “how the current unrest in the Middle East is impacting Christians.” He also addressed the needs of the region in the midst of continued war.

Zaour’s presentation was preceded by a free wine and appetizer reception.

Zaour has been the pastor of the 600-member Presbyterian Church in Damascus for 18 years. Located in the heart of the Old City, the congregation has welcomed Iraqi refugees as well as fellow Syrians who have been displaced from other parts of the country.

Zaour serves on several councils of the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon, and meets regularly with Muslim leaders prominent in Damascus.

Photos by Jon Clark