On October 9, 2025, the Holy Synod of the Antiochian Orthodox Church convened its third day of meetings at the Balamand Monastery, focusing on the pressing political and economic challenges facing the Middle East today. Presided over by His Beatitude Patriarch John X, the sessions brought together bishops, public figures, and regional experts for in-depth discussions on democracy, external pressure, religious radicalism, and economic instability.

The first session of the day centered on political developments across the region. Dr. Tarek Mitri, former Deputy Prime Minister of Lebanon, and political analyst Dr. Paul Salem noted that the Middle East is currently experiencing a deep crisis of political identity and institutional fragility. Efforts to build democratic systems, they said, are being undermined by both external geopolitical pressures and internal divisions rooted in religious extremism and ethnic tensions.

Both speakers emphasized the unique role of the Church as a “bridge” for national dialogue and reconciliation — a space that transcends divisions and speaks with moral clarity in defense of peace, justice, and human dignity. They called for the Church to strengthen its public presence both regionally and internationally, reminding attendees that its voice must remain “above political polarization, but at the heart of public service.”

The second panel addressed the region’s economic struggles. Former ministers Nicolas Nahas and Raed Khoury, along with entrepreneur Jacques Sarraf, painted a sobering picture of the economic crisis, describing it as structural rather than temporary. They argued that solving it requires more than market reforms — it demands social solidarity, job creation, and tangible support for young people.

“The economy is not just a financial system,” Sarraf said. “It is a reflection of human dignity and the foundation for a people’s survival.”

Participants stressed the need for a unified Church-led vision of economic mission — one that builds resilience, affirms the value of labor, and nurtures hope amid adversity.

The discussions concluded with a call for continued Church engagement in addressing the socio-political and economic needs of the region, with an emphasis on unity, compassion, and practical action rooted in faith.