The Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch opened its meeting at the Balamand Monastery in Lebanon on October 20, under the chairmanship of Patriarch John X, with a call to strengthen the Church’s historic mission and preserve the Christian presence in the Middle East.

Addressing the hierarchs at the opening session, Patriarch John X emphasized that the presence of Christians in the region is not temporary but an essential part of their identity.

“Our presence in the East is not a temporary phenomenon. It is inseparably linked to our very Christian identity,” the Patriarch said, urging the Church to recognize its historic responsibility toward the region’s Christian communities.

He stressed that the Church must continue its ministry despite mounting challenges and the inability of state institutions to address every social problem. At the same time, he called on the Church to remain above political divisions and promote dialogue among different religious communities.

Patriarch John X recalled the Antiochian Church’s historic role as a bridge between people of different faiths, reaffirming its commitment to peaceful coexistence and interreligious understanding throughout the Middle East.

According to the Antiochian Patriarchate’s press service, the Synod will focus particularly on the situation of Christians in Lebanon and Syria, where the Church seeks to preserve longstanding communities and strengthen interreligious harmony.

Supporting Communities and Curbing Emigration
Metropolitan Anthony of Zahle and Baalbek presented the agenda for the Synod’s deliberations, highlighting plans to support residents of southern Lebanon affected by the devastating consequences of war.

Another key priority will be addressing Christian emigration and creating conditions that enable Christians to remain in the lands of their ancestors. The discussions are expected to explore ways to sustain local communities amid ongoing regional instability and social hardship.

The Synod will also consider the needs of the Antiochian diaspora, including efforts to preserve Antiochian identity among Orthodox faithful abroad, expand religious education, support young people and prepare future clergy.

Beyond regional concerns, the hierarchs will address a range of administrative and pastoral matters, including church governance, financial support for clergy, the development of parish life, the revision of liturgical texts and the use of digital technologies to engage younger generations.

Patriarch John X called for stronger unity among dioceses both in the historic territories of the Patriarchate and throughout the diaspora. He emphasized that the Church’s unity must be demonstrated not merely through words but through concrete acts of mutual assistance and solidarity.

The Patriarch also spoke out against proselytism carried out under the guise of missionary or humanitarian work. He urged the faithful to ensure that national and ethnic differences do not become sources of division within the Church or among the wider population.

The Synod’s agenda reflects the Antiochian Patriarchate’s efforts to address the challenges facing Christians in the Middle East while sustaining its pastoral mission across the region and among communities abroad. Its discussions are expected to focus on preserving Christian life, supporting vulnerable populations and fostering peaceful coexistence among people of different religious backgrounds.