Ecumenical Patriarch communicates with Patriarch of Antioch
In a phone conversation, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew assured His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch of the unwavering support of the Mother Church of Constantinople, emphasising the enduring unity and fraternal bonds between the two Patriarchates during these trying times. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew offered prayers to Almighty God, asking for peace to prevail in the hearts of all and for stability and reconciliation to be restored in Syria.
Patriarch John X warmly expressed his gratitude for the invaluable support, solidarity, and sincere concern shown by the Ecumenical Patriarch. He highlighted the steadfast and profound ties between the two Churches, which provide strength and comfort to the Patriarchate of Antioch in its mission during these difficult times.
The following is the press release:
“His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, whilst visiting the Holy Metropolises of Smyrna and Pisidia upon invitation, was informed of the events in Syria and immediately attempted to communicate with His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch in order to inquire of him and his ancient Patriarchate and to express His fraternal sympathy and the support of the Venerable Ecumenical Throne. He also attempted the same after His return to the City of Constantinople on Monday evening, 9 December 2024.
After repeated unsuccessful attempts, due to a problem in the telecommunications network in Syria, telephone communication between the two Primates finally became possible on Tuesday morning, 10 December 2024. In their fraternal conversation, His All-Holiness expressed, on behalf of the Holy Great Church of Christ and himself personally, His intense concern for the situation of the Hierarchy, the clergy and the plenitude of the historic Church of Antioch and His absolute support for them all, praying for its safety and stability.
In response, His Beatitude expressed his gratitude to the Church of Constantinople for the fraternal support of the two ancient Patriarchates at this critical moment in the history of the Throne of the Great City of Antioch and described in detail the prevailing situation in Syria, assuring His All-Holiness of the current safety of the Hierarchy, the clergy and the plenitude of the Church, as well as the absence of any destruction of churches. Following a relevant question from the Ecumenical Patriarch, he also spoke about the de-escalation and stabilisation of the situation in Lebanon. His All-Holiness promised to communicate again with His Beatitude in the coming days.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate appeals to all competent political leaders to respect the life and integrity of all individuals, as well as the historical monuments of Syria’s Christian Community and its cultural heritage in general.
In light of the approaching feast of the Nativity of Christ, the Prince of Peace, the Holy Great Church of Christ prays that the peace of the Lord, which surpasses all understanding, may reign in the country, in the wider region, and in the entire world, and that people and nations may live in safety and prosperity.
