Opening Address of His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II at the General Holy Synod 2025
Shared from the Facebook page of His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II.
You can find below the opening address of His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church of the World, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, delivered at the Patriarchal Headquarters – Church of the Virgin Mary – Al-Atchaneh, Bikfaya – March 26, 2025.
"But be perfectly united in mind and thought" (1 Cor 1: 10)
Your Beatitude, brother, Mor Baselius Joseph, Maphriono of India,
Your Eminences, dear brothers, the archbishops of our Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch,
We welcome you all to this blessed gathering that grants us the precious opportunity to explore and consult on the matters of our holy church and its journey. At the outset of our opening address, we thank our God Almighty, who has united us in love and spiritual unity. We ask Him to send the Spirit of His wisdom to guide our discussions and decisions for the good of the church and the glory of His holy name.
Honoring the Late Maphriono Mor Baselios Thomas I:
After thanking the Lord, we lift our prayers and supplications to Him, asking for His mercy on the soul of the late Maphriono Mor Baselios Thomas I, who departed from among us to the heavenly abode. With love and reverence, we remember his long service and dedication to caring for the church, especially in India, where he led the church's people with faith and wisdom for many years. He was an example of a faithful shepherd and bishop, dedicating his life to spreading the word of the Gospel and preserving the Syriac heritage in the lands of the East. We pray that the Lord may rest his soul and grant him a place in paradise with the saints and the righteous, as a reward for his efforts and contributions in the vineyard of the Lord.
Welcoming the New Maphriono Mor Baselios Joseph
We are delighted to warmly welcome our brother, His Beatitude the new Maphriono Mor Baselios Joseph, who was chosen by the Holy Spirit through the Church to succeed his late predecessor in the Maphrianate of India. We congratulate him on the trust placed in him and pray that the Lord will strengthen him with His divine wisdom in leading the Syriac Church in India. We affirm the full support of the Holy Synod, as well as our personal support, for his noble mission, asking God to grant him the strength and wisdom to be a good shepherd who leads the flock to the pastures of salvation, continuing the legacy of his predecessors and renewing the dedication to serving the Church in India.
Welcoming the Attending Bishops and Praying for the Absent Ones
We also take this opportunity to express our deep welcome and appreciation for the presence of their Eminences, the archbishops, who responded to our invitation and came from various parts of the world to participate in our Holy Synod. Their presence among us today is a clear sign of our unity in the Body of Christ and their profound concern for the Church's journey and mission. Moreover, we do not forget to remember in our prayers the archbishops who could not attend due to compelling reasons, whether health-related, pastoral, or otherwise. We lift our prayers to God to protect them wherever they are, grant them health and strength, and hope to reunite with them soon in upcoming occasions to continue together in serving the Lord and the Church.
Praying for the Abducted Bishops Mor Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim and Paul Yazigi
In the midst of this gathering, we pause with reverence and pain to remember the two abducted archbishops Mor Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim and Paul Yazigi, whose fate remains unknown since their kidnapping years ago. Their forced absence from their church and people remains a bleeding wound in the heart of the Syriac Church and among all Christians in the East. Bishop Yohanna was devoted to his flock and a pioneer in dialogue and promoting love between churches, and his absence leaves a significant void. Together, we unite in fervent prayers to God Almighty for them. We also renew our appeal in the name of the Church to all people of conscience worldwide to work on uncovering their fate.
"But be perfectly united in mind and thought" (1 Corinthians 1:10)
Spiritual Message:
In his letter to the Corinthians, Saint Paul encourages us, saying, "But be perfectly united in mind and thought" (1 Corinthians 1:10). This apostolic call invites us to unity of heart and mind in serving Christ. True unity among servants is not built merely on external agreement, but on essential virtues that form the foundation of Christian spirituality. Let us reflect on some fundamental qualities that faithful servants of Christ must embody to achieve this holy unity in thought and spirit:
• Humility: The cornerstone of Christian service Christ, our God, emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant in His incarnation, teaching us that true service begins with a humbled heart. When we humble ourselves as servants, God serves us with His power; as seen in the lives of saints and faithful shepherds who overcame the devil's power through humility and self-denial. Therefore, a servant must always be humble, remembering the Lord’s words: "So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty’” (Luke 17:10).
• Brotherly love that unites hearts Love is the bond of perfection (Colossians 3:14) and unites the one body of the Church. The wise Syriac teacher Aphrahat reminds us that love is the foundation of Christian life, and all virtues reach their fullness in it. Aphrahat compares love to the mortar in construction that binds the stones of faith together, saying: "Faith is built on the rock of construction, but love is the ties that bind the walls of the house together. Without love, faith collapses when there is division." Without love, if hearts are divided, the foundation of service collapses no matter how sturdy it may appear externally.
• Unconditional service modeled after Christ The Lord Jesus Himself provided the supreme example of selfless and unconditional service when He stooped down to wash the feet of His disciples at the Last Supper—a task typically performed by the lowest servants. Jesus, the Master and Teacher, performed this act with great love and humility. He then told them: "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet" (John 13:14). Thus, we understand that true Christian service is neither bound by conditions nor limited by human considerations; it is boundless giving and sacrifice, following in the footsteps of “the Son of Man, who did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).
• Working with one spirit and the fruit of the Holy Spirit's guidance When we serve as shepherds with one spirit, this unity of spirit is a clear sign of the Holy Spirit's presence, which unites the Church. The Scripture urges us to "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3). The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of unity and love, instilling in believers the deep awareness that they are one body in Christ. This was evident on the day of Pentecost when "They were all together in one place" (Acts 2:1), and the Holy Spirit descended upon them, kindling their hearts with one flame. Today, as we gather as shepherds of the holy Church in this general Holy Synod, the mark of being filled with the Spirit is seen when we work harmoniously together, seeking only God’s will. The spirit of teamwork in service is evident when we pray together, plan together, and cooperate without division or individualism. If opinions differ, we turn to the Holy Spirit in prayer for guidance and find ourselves united in the one mind of Christ. This spiritual atmosphere generates harmony and joy in service, where all work as one, aiming for God’s glory and the salvation of souls. Just as the early Church in the Book of Acts was of one heart, we too are called to be a living Church today, united in spirit and thought, radiating the light of the Holy Spirit so that others see in our love and unity a living testimony of the Gospel of Christ.
Reflection on Saint Paul the Apostle’s Commandment:
Contemplating Saint Paul’s commandment, "But be perfectly united in mind and thought," encourages us to nurture these virtues within ourselves. When we humble ourselves like Christ, love one another as brethren, serve unconditionally, and work in one spirit, the face of Christ will shine through our ministry. We will see spiritual fruits in ourselves and those we serve: peace in our hearts, unity in our churches, and a living testimony to the Gospel. Let us ask the Lord daily in our prayers to "complete what is lacking in our faith" and establish us in these virtues.
The call to perfection in unity of thought and opinion becomes evident through our shared understanding of the goal of our episcopal ministry and our diligent work to achieve it:
1. Glorifying the holy name of God through our lives, which should serve as a good example to the members of the Church.
2. Dedication to serving our flock, entrusted to us by God, to work for the salvation of souls and their entry into God’s Kingdom. Thus, we succeed in our ministry, please God, and become faithful servants working with one mind and heart for the glory of the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The Syriac Church: From Yesterday to Today
Beloved Fathers, the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch is deeply rooted in the history of Christianity. It is an apostolic church built on a solid foundation established by the apostles and disciples in Antioch, where "the disciples were called Christians first" (Acts 11:26). Yesterday, our Church gave birth to generations of saints, teachers, and spiritual fathers who enriched the universal Christian heritage, such as Saint Ignatius of Antioch, the martyr, and Saint Ephrem the Syrian, the Malphono/doctor of the Church, among many others whose teachings and virtues illuminated the path of faith. Through centuries of persecutions and challenges, the Church preserved its true faith and original teachings, always standing as a faithful witness to Christ and rising anew through the power of the Holy Spirit after every hardship.
Today, the Syriac Church continues its blessed journey, carrying the same torch of faith in a rapidly changing world. Its faithful have spread across the globe, bringing with them their Syriac faith and sacred traditions. Despite changing circumstances and growing challenges, our core mission remains steadfast: proclaiming the message of salvation and serving humanity with the love of Christ. Our meeting today is a living testimony that the Syriac Church is vibrant and present, bridging the authenticity of the past with the requirements of the present and striving under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to chart a bright future for its members and all believers.
The Syriac Church in India
We cannot talk about our Syriac Church today without pausing in reverence at its historical and continuing presence in India. Since the light of faith first shone in that land through the Apostle Thomas, a living Church has flourished there, spiritually and doctrinally linked to the sacred Antiochian Syriac Orthodox See. The Syriac Church in India represents a fundamental and rich part of the heritage of our holy apostolic Church, its history adorned with pages of testimony to Christ and devoted service to the faithful. Today, as we welcome the new Maphriono at its helm, we renew our affirmation of its great significance and our enduring commitment to its support. We will continue standing by our faithful in India through prayer, collaboration, and united efforts, ensuring that the Church there remains radiant and resilient in facing the difficult challenges it encounters.
The Syriac Church in Diaspora
By divine providence, the children of the Syriac Church have, in recent decades, spread across various parts of the world, bringing with them the treasure of their faith and spiritual heritage to countries of the diaspora. In Europe, the Americas, Australia, and elsewhere, our Syriac parishes are growing, forming spiritual bridges between the East and the West. The presence of the Syriac Church in the diaspora symbolizes hope and radiance, embodying the ability of our heritage to adapt and flourish in diverse cultural soils while preserving its essence.
Although migration carries numerous challenges—ranging from homesickness for the motherland to the difficulty of preserving language and traditions across generations—we take great pride in witnessing our emigrant children making sincere efforts to establish churches and pastoral centers, teach the Syriac language, and pass down our sacred traditions to their children as a living part of the body of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch and its mission. We commend these efforts led by our bishops in these regions and pray for their success.
The Syriac Church and Existential Challenges in the Middle East
Despite the spread of our Church worldwide, the Middle East remains its historical cradle, where it was born and grew. However, our region today faces serious existential challenges that affect all its people, particularly the Christian presence there.
Syria: The Church in Syria continues to experience the aftermath of years of war and conflict that ravaged the country. The number of our faithful has declined due to migration and displacement in search of safety and dignity, while those who remain face daily hardships and economic instability. Yet, our churches in Syria remain beacons of faith and hope, courageously providing spiritual and social service, and steadfastly rooting the faithful in the land of their forefathers. Recent developments in Syria open a new chapter, which we hope all Syrians will contribute to writing, although it remains fraught with internal and external dangers. As sons of Syria and an essential, original component of its history, we see the future of this dear country as one where all its children work together for its reconstruction and prosperity under a civil state that respects religious, ethnic, and cultural diversity, leveraging this diversity to strengthen national unity and preserve Syria’s territorial integrity. We pray for peace in Syria and that our faithful there may remain steadfast on their land, contributing to the revival of their society.
Lebanon: Lebanon has, in recent years, been burdened by a suffocating economic and social crisis, leaving a profound impact on all its citizens, including members of our Church. The difficult living conditions and scarce resources have driven many to emigrate in pursuit of a dignified life, threatening the reduction of the historic Christian presence in this country, which has long been a haven of pluralism and cultural prosperity. Despite this ordeal, our churches in Lebanon exert extraordinary efforts to serve those most in need and keep the flame of faith burning in the hearts of believers. As we grieve deeply for the suffering brought upon Lebanon by Israeli aggression, we are optimistic about recent political developments, including the election of a new President and the formation of a government that works to uplift Lebanon by harnessing the talents and capabilities of all its citizens, including so-called minorities. We pray for Lebanon’s stability and the resolution of its crisis, trusting in divine providence to deliver the nation from its distress so it may once again be a land of message and light.
Iraq: The Church in Iraq bears a glorious history mingled with pain and suffering in recent decades. Consecutive wars and acts of violence, especially the dark era of terrorism epitomized by ISIS, emptied many towns and villages of their original inhabitants. Our churches there have endured severe losses in both people and structures; believers were displaced, and sacred places desecrated. Yet, the roots of faith remain alive in the land of Mesopotamia. Some displaced families have begun to return and rebuild what was destroyed. The Church continues to work as a loving mother, accompanying her children with comfort and hope, striving in collaboration with people of goodwill to rebuild what was materially and spiritually destroyed. We pray that the Lord grants Iraq and its people lasting peace and supports every sincere effort to restore harmony and unity among the nation's citizens.
Jerusalem and the Holy Land: The Church of Jerusalem holds a special place in the hearts of all Christians and particularly the Syriacs, as it is the land of our Lord Jesus and the theater of salvation. However, Jerusalem and the Holy Land have recently suffered from cycles of violence and wars that have left deep wounds in the hearts of all its inhabitants. The small Christian communities there have not been spared from the consequences of conflict, enduring fear, loss, and migration. We are pained by the suffering of all the innocent in this holy land and pray for an end to the cycle of violence and the achievement of a just and comprehensive peace that safeguards the rights and dignity of all. We also reaffirm the importance of preserving the ancient Christian presence in Jerusalem so that the bells of our churches may continue to ring and the faces of believers shine with the faith of hope in the city of the resurrection.
Faith and Moral Challenges Facing the Church Today
Alongside external challenges, the Church in modern times faces faith and moral challenges of a global nature. Extreme secularism, the spread of moral decay, and spiritual indifference present obstacles to a righteous life of faith. We find ourselves in societies where technology and innovation accelerate, yet sometimes neglect fundamental spiritual and human values. Many young people are exposed to the influences of new intellectual currents and ideologies that may distance them from their faith or confuse their spiritual and moral identity. Additionally, there are challenges related to family disintegration, weak religious commitment, and the prevalence of individualism and consumerism, which may cause people to become self-centered and unaware of their brother's/sister’s needs. All these phenomena represent a call for the Church to rethink its pastoral and educational approaches, renewing its methods in teaching faith and instilling Gospel values in believers of all ages.
The Role of the Church in Facing Challenges
The Church is called more than ever to play a prophetic and active role in addressing the challenges facing our contemporary society. It must be a light guiding in darkness and a salt giving the world the flavor of the Gospel. The role of the Church manifests itself on several levels:
• Spiritually: The Church reminds its children that reliance on God, steadfastness in prayer, and the sacraments/mysteries are sources of strength amidst tribulations.
• Pastorally and socially: The Church strengthens solidarity and active love, establishing educational, health, and social institutions to serve humanity as a whole, especially the weak and marginalized. The Church also commits to raising its voice for truth, defending justice, and advocating for human dignity everywhere, collaborating with all people of goodwill. While the challenges are great, we trust that God's grace works in His Church, making it always a vessel of salvation that steadfastly leads believers to the harbor of safety.
The Role of Shepherds (Bishops and Priests) in Today’s World
Amid these transformations and challenges, our role as shepherds—bishops and priests—emerges as a critical factor in the Church’s journey. A bishop or priest is not merely an administrator or a celebrant of liturgical rites; they are first and foremost a spiritual father and shepherd who follows Christ, the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for the sheep. Their mission today demands a deep union with Christ and His love, which manifests in humility, enabling them to guide believers through the turbulent waves of modern times to safe shores. We must be living examples of holiness and commitment, showing the fruits of the Spirit in our lives and daily conduct, providing convincing testimony to believers and the world.
We must constantly ensure the purity and accuracy of teaching, nourishing our flocks with the Word of God and faithfully transmitting the deposit of faith without distortion or compromise. In addition to teaching, we must be close to our people, sharing their joys and sorrows, listening to their concerns, and addressing their spiritual and material needs. Only through such spiritual service can hearts be touched and bear fruit, as believers feel their shepherd is truly a vigilant father concerned for the good of his children, fostering an atmosphere of mutual trust and love within the community of believers.
The Patristic and Ecclesiastical Syriac Antiochian Tradition
Throughout the ages, the Syriac Church of Antioch has inherited a deeply rich and profound patristic and ecclesiastical tradition. This tradition is a gift from the holy fathers and teachers of the Church who, inspired by the Holy Spirit, recorded treasures of wisdom and piety in their writings, prayers, and liturgical hymns. The Syriac language itself, the language of our Lord Jesus Christ and His apostles, is the vessel for this tradition, conveying the fragrance of original faith across centuries.
We have inherited liturgies, prayers, and hymns that express our true faith and embody the spirituality of our Oriental Church, along with clear Biblical interpretations and doctrinal teachings crafted by our fathers to confront heresies and preserve the deposit of faith in purity. Today, it is our duty to uphold this ancient Syriac Antiochian apostolic tradition—not as a static memory of the past but as a living vision guiding our present and future. Adhering to this apostolic tradition and the Orthodox teachings passed down from generation to generation is a safeguard for our identity and faith, protecting us from being swayed by every wind of strange doctrine and grounding us firmly on the rock of true faith. It is crucial to make this rich heritage accessible and promote it through all means for the benefit of Church members, especially the youth.
Affirming the Identity of the Syriac Church
The identity of our Syriac Church is a precious treasure that must be cherished and preserved in a time of globalization and dispersion. This identity is embodied in our sacred Syriac language, our distinctive liturgy, our ancient spiritual traditions, and our ongoing testimony to Christ throughout history to this day. We are Syriac Antiochian Orthodox, united by one faith despite differences in homelands, cultures, and spoken languages. Living in diverse societies today, we must ensure that the unique aspects of our identity do not dissolve but instead enrich the universal Church and the broader human society. Affirming our identity does not mean isolation or fanaticism but rather solidifying the roots that give life and stability to the tree so it may bear ripe fruit.
From this perspective, we emphasize the importance of teaching the Syriac language to new generations everywhere and preserving our original rituals and teachings so that the tradition of our fathers remains alive within us, and we stay faithful to the image our Lord intended for us—a people witnessing a distinctive identity within the one body of Christ.
The 1700th Jubilee of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea
This year marks a significant historical and spiritual event—the 1700th jubilee of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. At that Council, the Fathers of the Church gathered from across the world to formulate the Nicene Creed, which we still recite today in every liturgy and Church celebration. Our Syriac Church, which participated in that glorious ecumenical heritage, takes pride in being faithful to the teachings of that Council and to its Creed, which proclaims the truth of the Holy Trinity and the divinity of the Son.
As we celebrate this jubilee, we recall the unity of the universal Church in the early centuries around fundamental truths of the faith, drawing inspiration to continue witnessing to these same truths in our present time to be like them: "perfectly united in mind and thought" (1 Corinthians 1:10). The spirit of the Council of Nicaea, with its focus on doctrinal orthodoxy, must remain a beacon for our churches today as they face currents of doubt and distortion of Christian doctrine. Thus, this occasion calls for deepening the understanding of faith and teaching it authentically in our parishes, as well as for dedicated efforts toward Christian unity founded on the truths of faith declared at Nicaea, preserved by the Church throughout generations.
Beloved brothers, words may prolong, and the issues concerning the Church are many, but I conclude my opening address by renewing Saint Paul the Apostle's call for us to be "perfectly united in mind and thought" (1 Corinthians 1:10) with faith, hope, and love in all our hearts. Let us give thanks to the Lord who has gathered us and fervently ask Him to accompany our meetings and decisions so that we fulfill His holy will in all we do. Let us implore Him to make this synod a source of blessing for the life of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch and grant us the grace of unity, harmony, and sincere love for one another. Let us always remember that the Church is the Church of Christ, and He is her eternal Head and Protector, so no challenges, however great, can frighten us. His divine promise is steadfast: "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it" (Matthew 16:18). May this confidence be the source of our strength as we embark on the work of our synod, beseeching the Lord to guide us by His grace toward what is good for His holy Church and the edification of His faithful people. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
This news was published on the Facebook page of His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II.