The Convening of the General Holy Synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church
Shared from the Facebook page of His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II.
On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 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, officially inaugurated the Universal Holy Synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch.
His Beatitude Mor Baselios Joseph, Catholicos of India, and Their Eminences Archbishops, members of the Synod, gathered from across the globe to participate in this significant event. The opening commenced with a prayer led by His Holiness, seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance and unifying presence to ensure fruitful deliberations for the Church’s ministry.
In a powerful opening address (to be published separately) to the Holy Synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch, His Holiness called for unity, spiritual dedication, and an unwavering commitment to faith amidst modern challenges. Reflecting on the apostle’s exhortation—"But be perfectly united in mind and thought" (1 Corinthians 1:10)—he emphasized the virtues essential for unity, including humility, love, and service. "True unity among servants," he noted, "is not built merely on external agreement but on essential virtues that form the foundation of Christian spirituality."
In the speech, His Holiness recalled the legacy of the late Maphriono Mor Baselios Thomas I for his devoted service in India and warmly welcomed the new Maphriono, His Beatitude Mor Baselios Joseph, expressing trust in his ability to lead with divine wisdom. Recalling the Syriac Church’s rich apostolic heritage, His Holiness urged its faithful to preserve the Syriac language and traditions, emphasizing that these are vital to sustaining the Church’s identity amidst globalization.
Turning to current challenges, His Holiness highlighted the plight of Christians in the Middle East, particularly in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and the Holy Land. Despite hardships, he praised the resilience of the faithful and reaffirmed the Church's commitment to providing spiritual and social support. He said, “The Church must be a light guiding in darkness and a salt giving the world the flavor of the Gospel.”
Finally, marking the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, he reminded of the importance of the gathering rooted in the formula of the Nicene Creed, calling for continued faithfulness to its truths. "Let us give thanks to the Lord who has gathered us,” he concluded, “and fervently ask Him to accompany our meetings and decisions so that we fulfill His holy will in all we do."
This news was published on the Facebook page of His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II.