Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East John X received the Ambassador of the United States of America to Lebanon, Mr. Michel Issa, at the patriarchal headquarters in Balamand. Present at the meeting were Dr. Elias Warrak, President of the University of Balamand, and Archimandrite George Yaacoub, Abbot of Our Lady of Balamand Monastery.
His Beatitude held with Ambassador Issa a broad discussion on regional issues and current affairs. The Patriarch expressed his appreciation to Ambassador Issa for his role in building bridges of communication in service of Lebanon. For his part, Ambassador Issa praised His Beatitude’s role and the mission of the Antiochian Church in Lebanon and the region. He also highlighted the pioneering presence of the Antiochian faithful in North America.