The Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I condemned the attack of the Armenian church in Syria’s Homs, Tehran-based Aliq Armenian news agency reported.

“We severely condemn attacks on religions centers and sacred sites,” the Catholicos said, further expressing hope for peaceful settlement in Syria.

“Armenian people will always be grateful to the people of Syria for welcoming Genocide survivors. Armenians will be glad to assist in establishment of peace and stability in Syria,” the statement said.

An Armenian church and school were attacked in the Syrian city of Homs on Saturday, May 19, by members of the Syrian opposition.

The representative of the local Armenian community Nazareth Elmadjian said the Isahakian School attacked by the opposition works under the auspices of Armenian Apostolic Church’s Syrian Prelacy.

The school is located in Hamidia district of Homs which is mainly populated by Arab Christians. The opposition forces seized the school and church, which will be used by them as a hospital and convalescence center.

The Syrian army is not attacking the district because of the large number of civilians in the area, reported the community.