The Holy Synod of the Antiochian Orthodox Church convened on October 7, 2025, at the Monastery of the Most Holy Theotokos in Balamand, under the leadership of His Beatitude John X, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East. Hierarchs from across the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Australia, and other parts of the diaspora are participating in the gathering, the Church’s press service reports.

The Synod opened with a prayer for guidance from the Holy Spirit amid global instability and complex local challenges. In his opening address, Patriarch John X expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to hold the Synod despite difficult circumstances. He also remembered the still-missing Metropolitans of Aleppo, Paul Yazigi and John Ibrahim, and emphasized that the Antiochian Church is "one family" that spans both its historic homelands and the global diaspora.

A moment of remembrance was observed for the victims of the bombing at St. Elijah Church in the Al-Dwaila district of Damascus earlier this year. The bishops offered prayers for the repose of the departed and healing for the wounded, asking God to strengthen their families in faith and endurance.

Metropolitans from every eparchy are in attendance — from Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq to France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, and the Philippines. Among them is Metropolitan Saba of New York and All North America, who delivered a detailed report on the spiritual and community life of his archdiocese, stressing the importance of unity in preserving Antiochian identity.

On October 8, the second day of the Synod, the bishops opened their session with prayers for peace in the Holy Land and for those suffering in Gaza, voicing deep concern over the world’s “silence and helplessness” in the face of the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe.

The Synod continued in working groups, focusing on pastoral challenges, social outreach, church construction, cooperation with civil authorities, and strengthening inter-Christian and pan-Orthodox relations. Discussions highlighted the need to engage both clergy and laity, nurture spiritual gifts, mobilize resources, and revitalize parish life in service of the unity and mission of the Church.

The Holy Synod’s meetings in Balamand are set to continue in the coming days, with key decisions expected on the Church’s response to the pressing realities of the modern world.