Patriarch John X Visits the Governor of Hatay

 

His Beatitude John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, praised the values of coexistence lived in Antioch and its neighboring regions. His remarks came during his visit to the Governor of Hatay, Mustafa Masatli.

Accompanying His Beatitude were:

- Metropolitan Athanasios Fahd of Latakia

- Metropolitan Ephraim Maalouli of Aleppo

- Archimandrite Paul Orduloghlu, Bishop-elect of Tarsus

- Archimandrite Parthenios Al-Lati

- Father Dimitri Doghum, Priest of the Antioch parish

- Mr. Fadi Khourigil, President of the Antioch Association

The meeting addressed the challenges facing Hatay province in terms of reconstruction after the February 2023 earthquake, including the restoration of historic churches—foremost among them the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul—and their affiliated waqfs.

The discussion also touched on the general situation in the region and the importance of supporting the logic of peace over the logic of wars and conflicts that target human beings regardless of race or religion. It further highlighted the significance of the historical and living Antiochian presence, given Antioch’s global symbolic importance in Christian history.

His Beatitude expressed gratitude to the Turkish authorities, represented by the Governor, for the facilities provided to ensure the success of the visit, and thanked them for standing by the Antiochian faithful, especially after the recent earthquake.