With a brotherly spirit and paternal care, the Fathers of the Holy Antiochian Synod, presided over by His Beatitude John X Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, resumed the sessions of their sixteenth synodical term.
Topping the agenda on its fourth day were the general conditions in the homeland and overseas, alongside the consequences of these conditions upon our children and communities across the archdioceses. The Fathers reviewed their political, social, and economic implications, then deliberated on certain legal, social, liturgical matters facing the Church both in the homeland and abroad.
Furthermore, the Synod Fathers discussed the conditions of the devastated region of Southern Lebanon, reviewing its situation through a report presented by the archdiocesan pastor, Metropolitan Elias Kfoury, and resolved to contribute toward supporting its needs to the best of their ability.
They also addressed the topics of youth and of priestly and monastic vocations, particularly within the lands of expansion.
Additionally, the Holy Synod approved an amendment to the Personal Status Law and the Code of Judicial Procedure of the Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East.
The Fathers affirmed the role of the laity and their active participation in the life of the Church through ecclesiastical bodies and committees, which are regulated by the Law of Parish Councils and Ecclesiastical Bodies and Committees.
The Fathers also touched upon the subject of media, digital transformation, and social media, and their implications for church life and pastoral ministry. Following discussion and in view of the importance of this topic, it was decided to study the matter in depth and consider its significance as an opportunity for evangelism, education, and the manifestation of the unity of Orthodox witness.
In conclusion, the Fathers of the Holy Synod lifted up prayers for the repose of the souls of those who departed from us in the hope of the resurrection and eternal life as a result of the terrorist act that targeted today the Church of Saint George in the Governorate of Karak, Jordan, wishing comfort for the families of the martyrs, and praying for the healing of the wounded and injured.
The Holy Synod will conclude its proceedings tomorrow.
