Dialogue Sessions on Christian-Muslim Relations

The fourth day began with continued dialogue sessions moderated by journalist Zeina Yazigi. The first session focused on “Christian-Muslim Relations,” featuring Dr. Mohammad Sammak, Secretary-General of the National Christian-Muslim Dialogue Committee in Lebanon; Ms. Asma Keftaro, member of the Syrian Women's Advisory Board; and Professor George Tamer, a scholar specialized in philosophy and Islamic studies.

The speakers emphasized that in the East, we live as one nation with diverse religions, ethnicities, and sects. They called for understanding “coexistence” or “civic peace” not as a theoretical term used in discussions, but as a living value that allows us to express a unity of will and the diversity of our identities. They also highlighted that Christians are an integral part of the national fabric. Therefore, exclusionary language must be countered with open and constructive ecclesial discourse that launches practical initiatives—joint meetings and dialogues on public issues—to highlight the historical dimension of coexistence as a guarantee of social and national stability. It also aims at underscoring the vital role of Orthodox Christianity in building bridges of trust in religiously and ethnically diverse societies.

The second session, titled “Social Care in Times of Crisis,” featured Archimandrite Melatios Shatahi, Director of the Department of Ecumenical Relations and Development (GOPA-DERD); social worker Doris Bendaly Antoun; and Ms. Rouba Khoury, Head of Mission for Norwegian Church Aid in Syria and Lebanon.

Speakers noted that in times of crisis, the Church remains closest to the people, responding to their psychological and material needs and mobilizing all possible efforts locally and internationally. This humanitarian role is not merely a reaction to urgent needs, but a practical expression of the Church’s vision toward the “other”—whoever that may be. It is a realization of the Church’s neutral identity, which does not discriminate by color or lineage. The Antiochian Church has a long history of promoting civil peace through social care for all, beyond preaching and words. And while words may err at times, the act of love never errs, for it is rooted in the ethics of the Gospel.

The discussions also addressed the diversity of social needs—from health and education to combating unemployment and preserving family cohesion. They presented existing initiatives such as social health centers, “kitchens of love,” support funds, and school grants that serve families locally, as well as efforts to connect displaced families with diaspora parishes for pastoral care.

The third and final session, titled “Declaring the Present and the Awaited Hope: The Church in Times of Trial—Dangers, Challenges, and Strategies for Confrontation and Motivation,” was led by attorney Mr. Carol Saba. He explained that the world today—East and West—is suffering from political, social, economic, and even spiritual exhaustion. This exhaustion generates complex dangers and challenges that the Church must be ready to confront with actionable vision and practical proposals, shifting from a posture of passivity to one of initiative and engagement.

These initiative of synodal sessions inviting specialists as speakers and including participant guests are a wise move by His Beatitude Patriarch John X, fulfilling this vision and weaving the first thread of an ecclesial safety net that brings together the Church, its shepherds, and its faithful for consultation and exchange of experiences.

The Antiochian Orthodox Church is the prime candidate to play this unifying role, being the oldest Church built on pluralism—gathering all under its wings regardless of ethnicity or race. This unifying role is embodied in spreading a social awareness open to the other, in the spirit of the Good Samaritan, and in forming a person