The Holy Synod of the Antiochian Orthodox Church, led by Patriarch John X of Antioch and all the East, convened at Balamand Monastery to discuss the future of Christians in the Middle East, their challenges, and the role of the Church amid ongoing socio-economic crises in the region.

According to a statement from the Antiochian Patriarchate, one of the central topics of the Synod was how to strengthen the Christian presence in the region, particularly in light of demographic shifts and the challenges posed by political instability. Among the proposals discussed were conducting a census of parishes, studying demographic trends, and developing strategies to support Christian communities and encourage higher birth rates.

Interfaith relations were also a key focus of the discussions. Participants emphasized that coexistence between Muslims and Christians on the Middle East is not just a political slogan but a fundamental value that upholds civil peace. The role of Christians as an integral part of the region’s social, cultural, and historical fabric was underscored.

One of the sessions focused on the social mission of the Church. Archimandrite Meletios (Shattahi), head of the Synodal Department for Church Relations, reminded attendees that the Church has always stood alongside the people in difficult times, offering aid to all, regardless of religious affiliation. This, he noted, is the true embodiment of Christian love and the pursuit of peace.

The Synod also hosted sociologists and public figures. Sociologist Rabih El Habbier and Professor Shuki Atieh presented research on the demographic changes among Christians in the Middle East. A key conclusion from their study was that the significance of Christianity in the East is not determined by the number of believers but by the way they live, based on the teachings of the Gospel. Instead of seeing themselves as a minority, Christians were encouraged to view their role as partners in building a future grounded in faith, civic responsibility, and openness.

The final session, titled The Church in the Face of Global Crises, featured legal expert and theologian Carol Saba, who emphasized the need for the Antiochian Church to become a unifying center, establishing a "network of ecclesiastical security" to facilitate the exchange of experiences and jointly address contemporary challenges.

Patriarch John X concluded the Synod by thanking the participants for their contributions and reaffirmed that the mission of the Church is to remain a source of hope, peace, and mutual understanding for all peoples of the Middle East, regardless of their religious or ethnic background.