Balamand - Lebanon, October 21, 2023

The Holy Antiochian Synod, presided by His Beatitude Patriarch JOHN X (Yazigi), Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches for the Orthodox Family, held its fourteenth regular session and seventeenth extraordinary session in Balamand, Lebanon, from October 16 to 21, 2023, in the presence of Their Eminences, the Most Reverend Metropolitans:

Elias (Archdiocese of Beirut and dependencies); Elias (Archdiocese of Tyre, Sidon and dependencies); Damaskinos (Archdiocese of São Paulo and All Brazil); Saba (Archdiocese of New York and All North America); Silouan (Archdiocese of Byblos, Botrys and dependencies); Basilios (Archdiocese of Akkar and dependencies); Ephrem (Archdiocese of Tripoli, Koura and dependencies); Ignatius (Archdiocese of France, Western and Southern Europe); Ghattas (Archdiocese of Baghdad, Kuwait and dependencies); Silouan (Archdiocese of the British Isles and Ireland); Antonios (Archdiocese of Zahleh, Baalbek and dependencies); Nicolas (Archdiocese of Hama and dependencies); Basilios (Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines); Ignatius (Archdiocese of Mexico, Venezuela, Central America and the Caribbean Islands); Athanasius (Archdiocese of Lattakia and dependencies); Jacques (Archdiocese of Buenos Aires and All Argentina); Ephrem (Archdiocese of Aleppo, Alexandretta, and dependencies); and Nifon Saikali Metropolitan of Philippopolis and Representative of the Patriarch of Antioch to the Patriarch of Moscow. Also in attendance was Their Graces: Bishop Gregorios Khoury, Secretary of the Holy Synod and Bishop Romanos El-Hannat, Patriarchal Vicar.

The Metropolitans who apologized for not being able to attend are as follows: Sergios (Archdiocese of Santiago and Chile); Isaac (Archdiocese of Germany and Central Europe). His Eminence Metropolitan Boulos Yazigi is always present in the prayers and invocations of the Synod Fathers, despite his physical absence caused by his abduction.

The Holy Council of Antioch began on Thursday 19 October 2023, at Balamand - Lebanon, presided over by His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches for the Orthodox Family, with the participation of their Eminence the Bishops.

Jerusalem, October 19, 2023

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem expresses its strongest condemnation of the [Israeli] airstrike that have struck its church compound in the city of Gaza.

The Patriarchate emphasizes that targeting churches and their institutions, along with the shelters they provide to protect innocent citizens, especially children and women who have lost their homes due to [Israeli] airstrikes on residential areas over the past thirteen days, constitutes a war crime that cannot be ignored.

Following the violence inflicted upon Gaza, the Evangelical Community in Syria and Lebanon issued a statement which you can find its full text.

The ACT Palestine Forum has issued the following statement regarding the escalating violence on the Gaza Strip. The statement can be downloaded here.

We at the ACT Palestine Forum feel deeply concerned and distressed after a day full of escalating violence in the Gaza Strip and its surrounding area. The resulting potential for major escalation throughout all of Palestine and Israel is extremely likely. The ACT Palestine Forum extends its heartfelt empathy and concern to all affected innocent civilians and their families, and we lift them up in prayer during these challenging and uncertain times.

Calls for a new reality based on justice and human dignity

The World Council of Churches (WCC) expressed both outrage and shock at the news of an [Israeli] airstrike on the Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza.

It is with a sense of outrage and shock, that we received news of the [Israeli] missile attack on the Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza. Thousands of Palestinians who had lost their homes already were taking refuge at the hospital, run by the Anglican Church. The attack amounts to collective punishment, which is a war crime under International Law.  The international community must hold [Israel] accountable for the crimes committed against civilians.  The attack stands also contrary to everything our monotheistic values demand from us; namely to stand up for justice, make peace, and protect the human dignity of all those created by God and in His image. The attack makes no sense, since it was directed against a hospital, church property, patients, and families who were seeking refuge from relentless bombardment by [Israel].

19/10/2023 

“The angels of peace are weeping bitterly” (Isaiah 33:7)

As fellow Shepherds we add our voices to those of our Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches of Jerusalem.

 We care deeply for every human life, whether [Israeli] or Palestinian, created in the image and likeness of God. We weep for all victims and offer our deepest condolences to all who have been bereaved or injured.

 In less than two weeks tragically more than 1,500 [Israelis] and 3,000 Palestinians have been killed, including over 1,000 children, as well as medical and UN personnel and journalists. We condemn unequivocally the indiscriminate killing of all civilians both [Israelis] and Palestinians.

Condemns the Unjustified [Israeli] Violence Against Innocent Palestinian Civilians

The Coptic Orthodox Church, headed by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, condemns the unjustified [Israeli] violence against innocent Palestinian civilians, which reached a cruel climax today with the bombing of the Baptist Hospital in Gaza, resulting in the shedding of the blood of hundreds of innocent martyrs and wounded.

While we condemn this attack, we affirm our firm stance against the shedding of innocent blood everywhere and on every side, and our full support for the rights of the Palestinian people to live in safety within their lands. We pray that God will help them in the horrors they face, and grant tranquility to the entire world.

Appealing for peace in the Holy Land, His Holiness Pope Francis expresses concern for the humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling on all parties to lay down their weapons and all Christians to pray and fast on 27 October for peace.

By Francesca Merlo

“The number of victims is growing and the situation in Gaza is desperate.”

With these words, His Holiness Pope Francis turned his thoughts to Palestine and [Israel] pleading that “everything possible be done to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe.”

Church Unites in Prayer, Firmly Condemns Massacre at Hospital, and Grieves the Loss of Hundreds of Innocent Civilians

Jerusalem October 17, 2023

In a solemn observance of a global day of fasting and prayers for peace, reconciliation, and an end to the harrowing conflict, Christians stood united in the Holy Land. However, this day of reflection was marred by a brutal attack on our Al Ahli Anglican Episcopal Hospital in Gaza during the [Israel] air strikes there. Citing 2 Cor. 4,8-9a, "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed," we reflect on the unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.

Churches across the world join a Day of Prayer and Fasting for peace in the Holy Land Day amid threats of further escalation.

By Vatican News staff writer

As war between Israel and Hamas rages on, and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip worsens, Christians across the world are heeding a call to pray for peace in the Holy Land.

The Church leaders of the Holy Land's call for a day of prayer

Writing to the world’s faithful as President of the Assembly of the Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land (ACOHL), in a letter last week His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, asked that on Tuesday, October 17, everyone hold a day of fasting, abstinence, and prayer for peace and reconciliation in the battered region.

The Greek orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, praying daily for the peace of the whole world was praying fervently especially on 4/17 October 2023 according to the statement of the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem released on October 13th, 2023.

The Prayer was held at the Horrendous Golgotha for the cessation of all hostilities in [Israel] and Gaza and for the prevailing spirit of dialogue and peace and the relief of all those wounded by war and in favour of respecting every human soul as the image of God.

From Secretariat-General of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

His Holiness Pope Francis makes a phone call to the parishioners of the Holy Family Catholic Parish in Gaza, with a religious sister expressing gratitude for his encouragement to the suffering community.

By Paolo Ondarza & Devin Watkins

"His Holiness Pope Francis assured us that we are in his Prayers and that he knows the suffering we are enduring."

Sister Nabila Saleh of the Rosary Sisters of Jerusalem shared that summary of a phone call received from His Holiness Pope Francis on Monday night.

Entitled: “The Orthodox Church of Antioch from the Fifteenth to the Eighteenth Century: Towards a Proper Understanding of History”

Under the patronage and in the presence of His Beatitude Patriarch John, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches for the Orthodox Family, the University of Balamand, Lebanon, inaugurated, on Monday 16 October 2023, the International Scientific Conference entitled: “The Orthodox Church of Antioch from the Fifteenth to the Eighteenth Century: Towards a Proper Understanding of History”. It was held at the Zakhem Auditorium - University of Balamand in Koura. The conference was organized by the Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology at the University of Balamand.

During the conference, His Beatitude Patriarch John X delivered an opening speech, which you can find its full text.

On October 15, 2023, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, consecrated St. Aphrem Church in Istanbul.

His Beatitude Sahag II, Armenian Orthodox Patriarch of Istanbul, His Eminence Archbishop Apostol Danieladis, representative of His Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, His Excellency Levon Zekiyan Armenian Catholic Bishop of Istanbul, were present. The Mayor of Great Istanbul Mr. Akram Imamoglu was also present and congratulated the Syriac leadership and community on the new Church.

During the consecration, His Holiness was assisted by their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Philoxenus Yusuf Cetin, Patriarchal Vicar of Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, Mor Theophilos George Saliba, Patriarchal Advisor, Mor Timotheos Samuel Aktas, Archbishop of Turabdin, Mor Dioscoros Benjamin Atas, Patriarchal Vicar in Sweden, Mor Dionysius Issa Gurbuz, Patriarchal Vicar of Switzerland and Austria, Mor Philoxenus Saliba Ozmen, Archbishop of Mardin, Mor Justinos Boulos Safar, Patriarchal Vicar in Zahleh and Bekaa, Mor Philoxenus Mattias Nayis, Patriarchal Vicar in Germany, Mor Clemis Daniel Kourieh, Archbishop of Beirut, Mor Julius Hanna Aydin, Director of External Relations in Germany, Mor Nicodemus Daoud Sharaf, Archbishop of Mosul, Kirkuk, Kurdistan and Environs, Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Archbishop of Homs, Hama, Tartous and Environs, Mor Chrysostomos Youhanna Ghassaly, Patriarchal Vicar of Argentina, Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeera and Euphrates, and Mor Joseph Bali, Patriarchal Assistant.

On October 13, 2023, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, presided over the Evening Prayer at St. Mary Church in Istanbul.

Their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Philoxenus Yusuf Cetin, Patriarchal Vicar of Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, Mor Theophilos George Saliba, Patriarchal Advisor, Mor Timotheos Samuel Aktas, Arhcbishop of Turabdin, Mor Dioscoros Benjamin Atas, Patriarchal Vicar in Sweden, Mor Philoxenus Saliba Ozmen, Archbishop of Mardin, Mor Gregorius Malke Urek, Patriarchal Vicar of Adiyaman and Environs, Mor Philoxenus Mattias Nayis, Patriarchal Vicar in Germany, Mor Clemis Daniel Kourieh, Archbishop of Beirut, Mor Julius Hanna Aydin, Director of External Relations in Germany, Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Archbishop of Homs, Hama, Tartous and Environs, Mor Chrysostomos Youhanna Ghassaly, Patriarchal Vicar of Argentina, Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeera and Euphrates, and Mor Joseph Bali, Patriarchal Assistant.

On October 13, 2023, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, arrived to Istanbul for the celebrations of the consecration of Mor Aphrem Church.

His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II was received by his Eminence Archbishop Mor Philoxenus Yusuf Cetin, Patriarchal Vicar in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, and Mr. Sait Susin, President of the Archdiocesan Council.

Their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Timotheos Samuel Aktas, Arhcbishop of Turabdin,

Mor Philoxenus Saliba Ozmen, Archbishop of Mardin, and Mor Gregorius Malke Urek, Patriarchal Vicar of Adiyaman and Environs, were also present at the airport for the reception of His Holiness and the accompanying delegation.

Amidst unfolding violence in the Holy Land, their Beatitudes Patriarchs and their Eminences Heads of Churches in Jerusalem issued Statement on the Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza. You can find below its full text.

In Tuesday’s press briefing with journalists, Dr. Paolo Ruffini gave an update on the discussions of the working groups, while US Cardinal Tobin spoke of the richness of the comparison of different experiences and cultures, and Colombian Sister Echeverri upheld “the call to listen to the cry of the poor.”

By Alessandro Di Bussolo

The true beauty of the Catholic Church “becomes evident when its doors are open and welcome people. We hope that the Synod will help us open them even more.”

That is how US Cardinal Joseph William Tobin, the Archbishop of Newark, described the theme of the second module of the Instrumentum laboris. The module is focusing on the theme: “A communion that radiates: How can we be more fully a sign and instrument of union with God and of the unity of all humanity?” which was discussed in small groups Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning.

Amidst unfolding violence in the Holy Land, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem issued a statement in which they call for peace and justice. You can find below its full text.