At its most recent meeting, the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia expressed support for Patriarch John X of Antioch and the Christian communities of Syria, who have been suffering due to the ongoing conflict. This was reported by the website of the Prešov Diocese.

The Synod took note of the joint declaration by Christian leaders in Syria, attached to a letter from Patriarch John X dated January 22, and declared "fraternal solidarity and support" for the entire Antiochian Patriarchate and the ancient Christian churches of the Middle East.

"We observe with pain and deep sorrow the tragic events and ongoing violence in this region. We strongly condemn any manifestations of extremism, terrorism, and violence that lead to the destruction of holy sites, homes, displacement of populations, and the loss of life," stated the Synod’s declaration.

The hierarchs of the Czech Republic and Slovakia emphasized that such acts are unacceptable both from a spiritual and legal standpoint, as they contradict the Christian teaching of love for one’s neighbor and basic human rights.

"We join in prayers for the swift end of military conflicts and the establishment of lasting peace in the places associated with the life of our Savior, the work of His Apostles, and the spread of the Christian faith throughout the world," the statement continued.

The Synod also addressed other current issues in church life, including the report on the passing of His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and all Albania. Archbishop Juraj of Michalovce-Košice attended his memorial service in Tirana as a representative of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia.