On March 29, 2026, a meeting was held at the residence of the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Antioch in Damascus, attended by His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Greater Antioch and All the East, His Holiness Patriarch Mar Ignatius Ephraim II of Syria and His Beatitude Youssef Absi, Greek Melkite Patriarch of Antioch and All the East. The meeting discussed the latest developments, in particular, what happened in Scalbia, as well as the general situation in Syria and the situation of Christians throughout the country.
With deep concern and a sense of responsibility, they discussed the challenges facing Syria, which threaten the coexistence of Muslims and Christians in the country. The need to curb the uncontrolled proliferation of weapons, preserve security and stability, and protect the dignity of all citizens, without exception, based on the principles of citizenship, equality in rights and duties, and respect for personal and public freedoms was emphasized.
On the occasion of the holidays, the Patriarchs addressed the faithful with blessings and congratulations, indicating that celebrations should be limited exclusively to prayers inside churches.
In conclusion, they offered prayers for peace in Syria, Lebanon and around the world.
The day before, His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Greater Antioch and All the East addressed the Orthodox inhabitants of the country, noting that the Antiochian Patriarchate expresses protest and indignation at the incidents to which the Christian community is subjected and which are often justified by giving them the status of "isolated cases", although this is not always the case. A call was made for the competent authorities to "deal decisively with all those who harm the civilian world and not ignore recurring events that are attributed an individual character contrary to reality."
"The Patriarchate demands the opening of an official investigation, on the basis of which arrests will be made and all those involved will be brought to justice," the statement also says. — It also requires an official notification to the Patriarchate of the results of the investigation of these events, the purpose of which is to incite inter—religious strife - something from which Syria has always been protected throughout its history. The Patriarchate also demands the payment of financial compensation to the victims and the adoption of measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. This should be achieved by placing responsibility for the preservation of civil peace solely on the State and its official institutions, including control over illicit arms trafficking."
It was noted that the Antiochian Orthodox Church "appreciates the support and solidarity of its children, their sympathy and reaction to everything that affects the Christian presence in Syria, as well as everything related to the peaceful coexistence of the Syrian people in all their diversity, whether Muslims or Christians. The Patriarchate emphasizes that the dignity of Syria and Syrian society are based on the logic of citizenship and integration of all segments of the population, and not on the logic of "majority and minority."
"The Patriarchate confirms to its faithful children scattered all over the world and to all people the need to move from the language of words to the language of action. She repeats it again through the mouth of her Patriarch John X: "Enough blood in Syria." In the midst of all that has happened and is happening, and on the threshold of the Holy Passion of Christ, the Patriarchate prays to the Lord of Peace and the God of all consolation to save this country. She is full of confidence and proclaims the words of her Holy Scripture — words that banish any fear.: "God is in the midst of him; he will not be shaken," the statement emphasized.