The Fathers of the Holy Antiochian Synod, under the presidency of His Beatitude, resumed the sessions of the sixteenth synodal session on its fifth and final day, which centered on the general situation in Lebanon and the region. The session took place in the presence of guests: Deputy Speaker of Parliament Elias Bou Saab, and MPs Ghassan Hasbani, Fadi Karam, George Atallah, Melhem Khalaf, Adib Abdel Massih, Sajih Attieh, and Elias Estefan, in addition to the President of the University of Balamand, Dr. Elias Warrak. A meeting was held addressing the country’s general situation and the challenges facing its citizens.
The attendees emphasized the importance of fostering dialogue and cooperation between spiritual authorities and political leaders, contributing to the national interest and consolidating the values of coexistence and national unity. They asserted that the Antiochian Orthodox Church—which received the Christian faith directly from the Apostles, preserved the deposit of faith, and passed it down to its children through generations—has remained an all-inclusive sanctuary for its flock and a bridge of communication with its surroundings, despite the difficult circumstances it has endured and the resulting separation and distribution of its members across archdioceses around the world.
The meeting touched upon the Christian presence, which continues to face major challenges in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Iraq, Jordan, and the broader region. They pointed out that these risks are not limited to military security, but also encompass social, political, and economic security—particularly regarding securing livelihoods and safeguarding human dignity, especially amidst the wars and crises engulfing the countries of the region. They stressed the necessity of adhering to an inclusive patriotism that unites the citizens of the nation and the need to steer clear of divisive political conflicts, viewing national identity as an act of belonging, loyalty, and shared responsibility toward God, the nation, and humanity.
Regarding Lebanese affairs, the attendees praised this meeting with His Beatitude and the Fathers of the Holy Synod, expressing their gratitude to His Beatitude for this recurring gesture and its meaningful reaffirmation of commitment to serving the Orthodox Church and its mission. They stressed the role of their Antiochian Church in strengthening ties of fraternity and cooperation with Christian and Muslim brothers in Lebanon. Furthermore, they emphasized the necessity of confronting all forms of violence and restricting weapons to state authority alone, calling for a fair and independent judiciary to guarantee security, peace, and justice for all citizens, while protecting their rights and dignity.
The attendees highlighted the numerous challenges and profound transformations occurring in the region and the world, noting the retreat of the rule of law in the face of violence, the dominance of the law of the jungle over constitutional principles, and the decline of traditional values before new behavioral patterns. This comes alongside the continuous emigration of families, youth, and skilled professionals, as well as falling birth rates. They observed that these challenges necessitate the formulation of a unified vision that gathers the children of the Church and the nation, preserves their presence and role, and lays the foundation for a more stable future.
All present called for the Church to maintain its spiritual and national role in uniting its children and advocating for the construction of true citizenship. They affirmed their unwavering support, alongside the faithful, for His Beatitude’s national and ecclesiastical stances.
At the conclusion of the Synod’s proceedings, the Fathers of the Holy Synod offered prayers for all their spiritual children at home and in the diaspora, wishing them health and longevity. Together with them, they raised heartfelt supplications to the Lord God to visit His world with the spirit of His sweet peace and to bestow His comfort upon the hearts of the sorrowful and weary, for from Him comes every good gift, blessing, and consolation
