Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Patriarch John X of the Great Antioch and All the East on the occasion of his namesake day, celebrated on the feast day of Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist. In his message, Patriarch Kirill conveyed sincere wishes for peace, good health, and divine assistance in the Patriarchal duties of John X, highlighting his significant role as a spiritual leader who serves with love and humility, inspiring his flock through his example of piety and wise words.

The Antiochian Orthodox Church, founded by the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, is one of the oldest Christian churches. It has historically covered vast territories and has given the world many renowned saints, such as the Protomartyr Thecla, the Holy Martyr Ignatius the God-Bearer, Saint George the Great Martyr, and many others.

In 451 AD, the Church was elevated to the status of a Patriarchate, but over time, especially following the conquests by Arabs, Crusaders, Mamluks, and Turks, it lost much of its former grandeur. In the 13th century, the residence of the Patriarchs of Antioch was moved to Damascus, where it remains to this day.

Today, the canonical territory of the Antiochian Church includes Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and the countries of the Arabian Peninsula. A significant portion of the modern Antiochian Church's faithful (approximately 5 million out of 7.5 million) consists of the Lebanese and Syrian diaspora in North and South America. This diaspora emerged in the 20th century due to the mass exodus of the Christian population from the Middle East, fleeing a series of wars in the region.